The Chronicles of DF Adventurers: Peasant or Bust!

[Fargazer]

Because a forum can never have enough games of Dwarf Fortress.

Legends always speak of those cities where a small hardy band grew and grew until they became the massive capital of a huge civilization. Where a simple group of mere bakers rose a nation out of a town only known as "Futuredeaths". How the stout dwarves founded their fortress of "Weakenedhalls" with just a pick and the earth beneath them. When the goblins began by constructing the bottom of a small tower, a tower which would later be aptly known as "Throwcurse".

Yet few tales are ever spun about ever so irrelevent men. Years travel by and leave their stories to be forgotten, and as decades become centuries, even those claiming the title of immortality forget.

But one day, there came a human who changed that tide. A human who promised they would take their place in history, or die trying.

If you don't know what Dwarf Fortress is, then this is probably your first time looking on this part of the forum. The game has a considerable depth, despite what many consider crude graphics (the knaves!), and the game has spawned many, many succession games.

The premise is simple: See how much havoc I can cause by rising boring peasants to slaves worthy of pleasing Armok, the god of blood.

This may turn into a long list of deceased people, either my opponents or my characters. I've got some ideas, but I shall see where the game takes me.

Chapter 1 : How may one begin?
We begin our tale overlooking the person that is Ithbi Trumpetsing, a young maiden of the town. She had begun her life as all others in the village had, a jocose and amicable child particularly talented in music. One night however, an urging overcame her like no other. She became reclusive and irascible. Some suspected possession. She knew she need to leave, and began training as a swordman immediately. Last night she completed her basic training. She can wait no longer.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi1.jpg

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi2.jpg

Ah, in the rush of excitement she had forgotten that despite her longing, she had no actual destination as of yet. Maybe her friends would be willing to give her a kind word.

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Entering the building, she saw the village beekeeper. As good as any place to start, I guess.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi4.jpg

"Yes yes, I know you worry so, but I can handle myself! Do you have any information for me?"

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi5.jpg

"Ah. Well that's awkward."

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi6.jpg

"Perhaps it would be better if I simply left."

After hours journeying south, it begans to grow dark.

"I better find a place to bunker down and sleep, I suppose."

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi7.jpg

"But first, a little swim could do be good."

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi8.jpg

"Look, there's a place to get up. Wait, what's that sound?"

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi9.jpg

"You mean, the stories were true!?!"

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi10.jpg

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi11.jpg

"Time to put these combat skills to the test!"

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi12.jpg

"Gah, the pain..."

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi13.jpg

"I must run... must make it away. Perhaps I can go back into the river, maybe they can't swim!"

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi14.jpg

"Yes, safe for now. Wait- what was that?"

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ithbi15.jpg

"Mother...always said... I would meet a bad end..."

So ends the chronicle of Ithbi Trumpetsing. May her successor be only stronger.

The good news about Dwarf Fortress is we can use the same world and make new characters! We can learn from our mistakes and not die again, right? Right?

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ugh1.jpg

Oh, for the love of-

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/22.jpg

Carp.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Shato1.jpg

CARP!

Armok merely looks down upon these mortals with rage. He gives them the ambition to serve him, but their weakness is absolute. Can nothing bring a resolution to this chaos?

Right, next time I'll make a character with all the good starting adventurer descisions, like collecting a retinue of suicidal free stuff doners warriors, swimming, throwing rocks, and those sorts of things. Hopefully I'll be able to stir up more interesting troubles then just getting killed by bogeymans over and over again.

[Fargazer]

Ambition exhorts the soul forward to ever crueler acts. A taste of the power to control other's fates creates a desire like no other. Anger gives men an unrivaled vigor for greatness.

Somewhere, Armok laughs.

Chapter 2 : Stuff gets real
Ushav Bakturipan awakes to a warm morning. The room he sits in is empty. He has been alone for just over a year now, and his lust for adventure has finally come over him. He grabs the pack in the corner, and steps out the door.
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http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav5.jpg
Ah, the sweet smell of the air. The encompassing breeze of the east, and the quaint view of this town on this morning embellish this place, yet I have never felt this pull to leave so strongly before.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav3.jpg

I will not look back.

Some time passes. Baktur comes across the ocean shore. He has been here many times. He is famed for his legendary swimming ability, and runs to the shore for a long swim. This may be his last swim here for a long time.

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Indeed, it may have been his last swim as well. He finds himself running from bogeyman as he runs for a house to stay. He knows the fate that has befallen many before him. He makes it, but not before he feels a pang of pain from a punch, reminding him of the danger of the night.

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Ushav wakes up from a troubled nights rest at a peasants house.

These bogeymen have troubled every lone man to travel at dark for years. I will enlist help at the next opporunity. My own skills are not widespread enough to save myself if I get into any serious trouble.

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A fort will be the best place, no?

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Ah, a fortress. I will be able to recruit powerful people here indeed.

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Unfortunately, general's are too important to travel with "rabble" such as myself.

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Even children shut me down...

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No luck there. Luckily there is more then one fort in the area.

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This place looks to have an abundance of able-bodied souls...

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They seem a bit suicidal. That's just what I need.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav18.jpg

Other's also seem dedicated to serving a diety named Muck. Well, this looks to turn out well.

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Together we will bring glory to the land!

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Aghast! We are under attack!

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My companions will take the fight while I run for cover.

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I think I've lost them... Wait, there's one following me yet!

Crouching behind cover, Baktur makes the descision to try to avenge his followers on this one person. After all, what would he be if not capable of taking out one person? He snatched up a stone, lets forth a battle cry and throws it.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav24.jpghttp://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav25.jpg

With a powerful throw he incapacitates his target.

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Baktur looks deftly at his spear: Its time to go to work.

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At long last, the deed is finished. Baktur gazes down on his target, unsure of what he's done. His face sits troubled for a moment, then he swoops over and goes through the hammerer's possessions.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav30.jpg

After everything is taken, he takes a swift look around, and runs. No one will ever miss the death of single bandit and some guards.

Somwhere, the god of blood smiles. He knows he's finally found someone capable. This is only the beginning.

[Fargazer]

Anyone can fall prey to the advances of desire. Rage is a powerful tool in the right hands, and when controled brings strength unmatched by any who cross your path.

However, the fool must be ever wary of manipulation. Power may be power, but there is nothing that can be done to relieve a man who has lost their soul.

Chapter 3 - Hold On to Something
The human Baktur steps outside into the cool morning air, taking in deep breaths and looking around at the morning dew. He looks to the east, and sees the sun-rise. His reprieve is only temporary however, as he takes in the colour of the sky, red. He is reminded of the death he caused yesterday, and the sleepless night behind him. He wasn't sure how he felt. He didn't know whether to celebrate happiness or begrudge a darkness overtaking him.

"There's only one way to find out whats happening to me."

He looks down at the spear in his hand.

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http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav31-1.jpg

He travels back to the fort to inform the men there of the consequences of his quest, when he is waylayed by lions.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav32-1.jpg

He manages to escape without any trouble, but it is always at times like these where one is reminded of their faults; people are reminded of how much further they have to go.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav37-1.jpg

The lord here has given me a greater retinue to help me this time. We won't fail again. Gazing around at his new companions, he decides to initiate a conversation.
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Baktur shudders at the though presented before him. He looks at the steely eyes of the soldier, so confident in the words he presented.

"Why, sir, I beg you answer, do you believe that death will soon be my fate?"

The guard is unfazed, and quickly obliges the Baktur with an answer: "Death comes to all who serve in our, and especially your place. By stepping out of the place you were born, you begged for it, and someone out there will happily give it to you."

The mysticism of the guard and his utter calmness deeply disturbs Ushav. What if the longing for blood does more then consume him?

Only time can tell.

The Baktur wastes no more time in finding his aquired target, except for a short stop at an armour store.
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It is not long before the part stands in front of the small camp.
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He barely enters before confronted by the enemy he has sought for.
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No sooner had the chieftan spoke then were Baktur's companions cut down. He instantly makes a break for it.

But the blood of Baktur's first victim serves him well.
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The Baktur continues running, tossing rock after rock at his pursuer. Some strike true.
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Last time Ushav has taken a life, he was not sure of what he had done. This time, he knew exactly what his goal was. Within moments, he was upon the corpse, picking up everything. Nothing need be wasted.

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He paid special attention to the large sword, noting the power it represented.

Back in town, Baktur informs the public of his victory.
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News of his victory spreads quickly.

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Always fond of symbolism, Baktur searches for a weapon shop, determined to find something of a higher quality for his endeavours. Who knows the effect it could have.

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Back at the fort, Baktur goes to work recruiting another band of men to assist him. His manner suggest he no longer cares for their honour or reasoning, perhaps due to his knowledge their imminent demise.

A quest quickly presents itself.

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Another group stands outside the gates of the fort. Baktur plods steadfastly on, quite aware that the chances of any of the people following him returning are worse than slim.

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"Now there... is a man who knows no fear."

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The dauntless boss comes at the party, and they begin to fight. It is a long one.

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Before long it is done, and the rest of the band notices and comes at the party.

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Baktur stands behind the soldiers and bandits fighting, when he notices something behind him. An idea grows inside of him, for a split-second he stands there uncertain, but then he instantly makes up his mind and turns around to grab something.

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The rest of the bandits are demoralized and quickly mopped up. Baktur notices someone, half dead, lying on the ground. He goes to him.

"Stranger, stranger... why must you give your life to becoming death?" The dying man sobs. He looks up at the human standing over him, and watches his heart harden.

Baktur gazes at him. "Tell me about this place."

The stranger simply replies, "I'll tell you when I get there"

Baktur, deciding the question is too irrelevent, changes his mind and asks another question. "Tell me about your home."

The stranger grins wildly and replies again. "I'll tell you when I get there."

They stand there, looking at each other. Finally, the man starts gasping for more breath, then looks up at Baktur.

"Take my one, final request. Please, hunt down someone who really IS evil. If you must kill, make it someone who deserves it."

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Baktur thinks about what he's done. What's happened in the past few short days.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav69-1.jpg

He can live with that.

[Cieyrin]

In true Dwarf Fortress fashion, there is much detailed murder and Armok was pleased. Too bad on random peasants succeeding but that is the nature of DF. Who knew mastery of chucking rocks would carry one so far, eh?

[Fri]

Oh boy. I always want to see one of these, yet can't be bothered to actually look for it. Glad that you fulfilled one of my hope before I died.

In this thread, a story about the darkness of human heart, about how a random peasant turns into an icehearted mercenary for hire, how mastery of chucking rocks can get you far in the world. An epic in the making.

[Fargazer]

Thanks for the comments guys. Its nice to know somebody's reading the thread after all. Its been pretty fun to write so far. :smallbiggrin:
____________________________

There's a world of a difference between friend and foe. They say that its from your enemies that you learn the lesson of building high walls, but that doesn't teach you the pain of sorrow. The pain of loss. The pain of betrayal.

And what breaks down a man faster than sorrow?

Just when you think you have it
Ushav strides into the fort again. This place has become quite the staging ground for getting hands to help him on his adventures
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Due to his recent victories over the common man's enemies, Baktur now has a slightly more elaborate title which he can use to dazzle the peasants.

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http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav71.jpg

Perhaps due to his new title, Baktur recieves some interesting information.

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"I'm not sure I wish to pursue any of these leads as of yet..."

He gazes around at his followers. Before, he had looked at them as expendable, but as their numbers grew they had proven more hardy. He was beginning to become close to some of them, now confident in their abilities to survive encounters with the enemies. There were a few he would even elect to call friend.

But warriors always need first and foremost someone to fight.
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"Another camp lads! We shall clear out these scum before long!"

The pack of fighters run forward. Little do they know of their enemy's abilities.
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The Baktur runs forward. He knows what he's doing.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav77.jpg

An attentive onlooker may have been able to see a smile dart across his face, contented with his throw that had stricken so well.

More enemies approach.
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Ushav's men surround their opponent, but more keep coming.
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The Baktur runs towards his enemies. You can see it in his eyes. The transformation has already begun.
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"As is tradition, our foe introduces himself... It is time for your end."

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Is it not odd.
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav82.jpg
How man differs his actions from one moment to the other over petty reasons?

Gicast, a pikeman in Ushav's service falls.
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav83.jpg

Combat rages on.

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At last, it is over. After looting various things from his enemies, weapons, a bow, and some silver arrows, Ushav goes over to the body of his fallen comrade.
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He slowly picks up the body. Without saying a word, his group proceeds back to the fort. He gave it a burial somewhere along the way

The Baktur walks outside into the cool morning air and sighs. Its been long since he felt any tinge of regret over events related to him. Or has it been that long? It seems an eternity since he was taking that swim back by the ocean.
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A maceman reminds him of his quest. A quest he was given a few days ago.
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Ushav and his ever growing band walk north. He whispers under his breath, "Moto, I know I never knew you, but you will be avenged. I swear it."

Off on the horizon, he sees a rocky outcrop. He naively trudges forward, unaware of what will come.
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav92.jpg

His retinue stand behind while he goes in first. As he enters the cave, he smells an unrecognizable odor. However, he does not have longer to wonder before his foe presents himself.
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http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav94.jpg
His enemy always declares himself. This one, however, has something more to say.

"You won't brag about your accomplishments for much longer!

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Baktur begins by throwing things, as is normal for him.

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Some strike his enemy, some do not. But none have any lasting impact.
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But he notices something glint. He sees the groom pull out a copper carving knife and stab a maceman in the hand, causing him to cry in pain and drop his weapon. Ushav gazes upon his enemy, an enemy intent upon killing more of his men.
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Ushav takes out the arrow he collected earlier. All of his hate flow into one throw at his enemy.
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The arrow finds its mark.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav99.jpg

The Groom of the Shadow Woman lies dead.

At last, Ushav turns around, surveying the room. What he finds disgusts him.
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Around him, he sees the soldiers surrounding him drop their eyes, unable to keep their gazes upon the horrors in front of them. They cannot imagine why this creature would do this, what could turn a human to such action.
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav102-2.jpg
They have never known true fear.

"Everyone, exit the room. The person responsible has already paid the penalty. I will deal with this."

Upon his words, everyone obeyed. They wait for a few minutes, then he comes out, calmly walking away from the cave. They follow.

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb393/Fargazer/Ushav103.jpg

No one looks back.