RE: Aluudon [DF]
05-15-2013, 04:54 PM
First Report of Slorange Udilkacoth, 29th Malachite 251
Private Journal of Slorange Udilkacoth, 29th Malachite 251
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SpoilerI and the rest of my expedition – if it can so be called – arrived at the Palace of Taxes yesterday, as you no doubt well remember. You asked for a report detailing how we came to be here and why, and I hope this missive will answer just that.
Truthfully, it's a fairly simple story: I'd felt unfulfilled for some time back in the Veiled Pulley; I'm a somewhat accomplished craftsdwarf when it comes to potash making, which afforded me a decent, steady living, but little in the way of noticeable contribution to society, and less in terms of excitement or – dare I say it – danger. I had heard rumors that a group of dwarves had struck northwards in pursuit of riches and glory for some time, and utimately decided to join them. Unfortunately, my husband wasn't willing to leave our life and home behind, nor were any of my friends and acquaintances; this left me facing the prospect of a desert trek on my own, which was not a pleasant one. I sent out inquiries to other dwarven settlements, looking for interested parties.
Few responded. Too many dwarves are too complacent, which is why I admire the adventuring spirit you and your settlers display so much. In fact, of the two dwarves I was able to convince to mount an expedition with me, one subsequently pawned off his place in the caravan with a bar bet. Too complacent. Much too complacent. It was disappointing, as I wanted to be certain we'd have a competent brewmeister at the new fortress, but now that I'm here, I can see you already have that well in hand.
The journey itself was... largely uneventful, in that it was a lengthy trek through the desert. Unpleasant but exhilarating. Without many particularly noteworthy happenings that I feel need to go in this report. One of my companions, Dizzy, had become so drunk before disembarkation that she actually stayed heavily inebriated through the whole trip, which I feel is an impressive feat even for a dwarven metabolism. I understand she is a leatherworker of some skill, which rather serves to reinforce the stereotypes about tanners, doesn't it? The other one never gave me her name, and now seems to be holding that against me. She is... worth watching, I think. A strange woman, very guarded.
I hope to serve the fortress however I can; all I want is to be able to see the results of my labors. I understand that there is a burgeoning farm underground here, which would likely benefit from my potash, but there also seems to be a shortage of fuel for burning, given the climate. I would understand if you preferred to save our wood for more permanent use, and indeed as much would be preferable to me. A new start can mean new skills, and a new way to contribute to the fortress.
Thank you for taking us in; I – and we – will prove valuable.
Truthfully, it's a fairly simple story: I'd felt unfulfilled for some time back in the Veiled Pulley; I'm a somewhat accomplished craftsdwarf when it comes to potash making, which afforded me a decent, steady living, but little in the way of noticeable contribution to society, and less in terms of excitement or – dare I say it – danger. I had heard rumors that a group of dwarves had struck northwards in pursuit of riches and glory for some time, and utimately decided to join them. Unfortunately, my husband wasn't willing to leave our life and home behind, nor were any of my friends and acquaintances; this left me facing the prospect of a desert trek on my own, which was not a pleasant one. I sent out inquiries to other dwarven settlements, looking for interested parties.
Few responded. Too many dwarves are too complacent, which is why I admire the adventuring spirit you and your settlers display so much. In fact, of the two dwarves I was able to convince to mount an expedition with me, one subsequently pawned off his place in the caravan with a bar bet. Too complacent. Much too complacent. It was disappointing, as I wanted to be certain we'd have a competent brewmeister at the new fortress, but now that I'm here, I can see you already have that well in hand.
The journey itself was... largely uneventful, in that it was a lengthy trek through the desert. Unpleasant but exhilarating. Without many particularly noteworthy happenings that I feel need to go in this report. One of my companions, Dizzy, had become so drunk before disembarkation that she actually stayed heavily inebriated through the whole trip, which I feel is an impressive feat even for a dwarven metabolism. I understand she is a leatherworker of some skill, which rather serves to reinforce the stereotypes about tanners, doesn't it? The other one never gave me her name, and now seems to be holding that against me. She is... worth watching, I think. A strange woman, very guarded.
I hope to serve the fortress however I can; all I want is to be able to see the results of my labors. I understand that there is a burgeoning farm underground here, which would likely benefit from my potash, but there also seems to be a shortage of fuel for burning, given the climate. I would understand if you preferred to save our wood for more permanent use, and indeed as much would be preferable to me. A new start can mean new skills, and a new way to contribute to the fortress.
Thank you for taking us in; I – and we – will prove valuable.
Private Journal of Slorange Udilkacoth, 29th Malachite 251
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SpoilerIt seems that diary-keeping is very much in fashion in this new fortress; indeed, I can barely sleep above the scratching of pencils, pens, and – in the case of the doctor – a duck-pinion quill. Every dwarf seems to want to record their thoughts, and it seemed best to go with it. It almost makes me regret not doing so on the journey here; the incident with Dizzy and the cactus-beetles would have made an excellent drinking story, if only I could remember all the details.
I've sent a report to Thriggle, the leader of this – honestly somewhat less wilderness-ready than I expected – group. It seems strange that she asked for one rather than just hearing from us directly, but whatever makes her feel like she's in charge, I suppose. I made it perhaps somewhat more unctuous than was necessary, but it's probably better to stay on her good side, especially if I want to escape the drudgery of another few decades burning potash.
Ugh.
I'll see how it goes. Sooner than later, I'm sure; as few dwarves are here, we can't afford idleness, and I suspect Thriggle will have me assigned a task before the day's out. I'd love to do something like ranging or hunting or beekeeping, something I can get out and risk myself a little, but anything will be a welcome change.
And some fresh-brewed ale and duck eggs will be a pleasant change from travel rations and eating cactus fruits when those ran out.
I've sent a report to Thriggle, the leader of this – honestly somewhat less wilderness-ready than I expected – group. It seems strange that she asked for one rather than just hearing from us directly, but whatever makes her feel like she's in charge, I suppose. I made it perhaps somewhat more unctuous than was necessary, but it's probably better to stay on her good side, especially if I want to escape the drudgery of another few decades burning potash.
Ugh.
I'll see how it goes. Sooner than later, I'm sure; as few dwarves are here, we can't afford idleness, and I suspect Thriggle will have me assigned a task before the day's out. I'd love to do something like ranging or hunting or beekeeping, something I can get out and risk myself a little, but anything will be a welcome change.
And some fresh-brewed ale and duck eggs will be a pleasant change from travel rations and eating cactus fruits when those ran out.