40d:Stories/Archive 1

Confineink, Part 1^DF

An attempt at a serious serialised novel, based on a standard game of DF.

“So,” sighed the Queen, “There are these seven dwarves among us who have already told me personally that they will happily take up the challenge for the glory of Logem Teskom. Between them, all devoted professionals, they are a miner, a mason, a woods-dwarf, a farmer, a cook, and a mechanic. They shall be led by Mosus,” the Queen mo- tioned to her right, in case any of the silent council could have forgotten who she was, “Who has over the years proven to all of us the excellence of her thought, the realism of her plans, and the trueness of her ambition. Unless any- one else has any objections...” the Queen paused for a mo- ment, eyes sweeping the council which sat in heavy silence, “...they shall leave this place, head south-east to where the Empty Barbs meet the forest and the Untamed Mire, and set up a home there. If they are never seen again, then we shall have lost but seven dwarves,” she shrugged, “Which while a grievance would not critically endanger our civilisation. If, however, they are successful, and I am sure you will all agree that between my own and Mosus’ judgement that we have thought this through, then we shall have a new portion of this untamed wilderness to call our own, a new bane to the goblins’ apparent heedlessness of true civilisation, a re- minder to the Elves to keep their incessant breeding to themselves and a new channel by which to get our trade goods to the Menfolk.” The Queen waited a moment for any new objections, her bright blue eyes scanning back and forth across the table. All were silent. “At which point,” she continued, “No doubt word shall spread via the mercantile network, as it always does, to our advantage. The new fortress shall attract migrants, no doubt, perhaps from other kingdoms, mayhap from our own fort- resses. Who knows,” the Queen laughed faintly, “Perhaps I shall end up moving there myself.”

The novel has no pretentions. It's not played for laughs, although some might call parts of it humorous, there's no special challenge for the migrants to accomplish (yet), and the game is played on standard Dwarf Fortress with no mods. The game is being conducted in-character. Mosus might not be making the best strategic decisions but she's trying her best. There is a back-story, but mainly the idea behind the experiment was to record, in novel format, the experience of the new outpost as it plays out in a standard game. There's some combat, romance and intrigue but the first part only gets to the first migration wave in Spring of the second year, so it really is the orientation stage of the novel. There's quite a bit of description of the world, because the writing was intended to be accessible to non-DF players too, but hopefully its recounted in an interesting enough way to not wear on the patience of dedicated players.

Download links

DF: Confineinks Part 1, Open Document Text, White cover DF: Confineinks Part 1, Portable Document Format, White cover DF: Confineinks Part 1, Open Document Text, Black cover DF: Confineinks Part 1, Portable Document Format, Black cover DF: Confineinks Part 1, Plain Text (utf-8)

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The founding of Kudustadil^DF

How far had they traveled? Iden Kikrostdetes could no longer be certain. Many a night had been spent sleeping in the wagon, the miner's picks and woodcutter's ax their only protection. After what had seemed a full Age, Iden's small band arrived at the lands she had been sent to survey.

A small outpost, they said they wanted. Perhaps more, if the initial settlement thrived well. Lolor Savot, the dwarven kingdom known in common as The Letter of Stances, had wanted to extend its claim on land. Iden had not been the only one sent, though she felt the others had been sent to better lands.

"Aye. This be no bad land." Reg Thobdomas spoke softely, as though reading Iden's mind. It put her at ease. Say what you will about the uneducated oaf, Reg was one of the best miners around and knew decent mining land when he saw it. That was the reason she had handpicked him to embark on this journey. And of course, he could not leave the homeland without Kogan Kengmomuz, his faithful trainee, trailing at his heels.

"Though not much for woodlands," Udib Emenmuthkat observed. "All the better, I suppose, I'll not be able to cut them all down and make them into bed's for new ones replace them."

"And just as well! I had planned to farm Plump Helmets not trees."

Iden had handpicked them all. For their stubbornness as much as their skill in trades. Reg and Kogan could mine faster than any other four dwarves around, and Reg had a knack for finding gems and minerals. Udib was a master carpenter who insisted upon felling wood himself. "Otherwise I'll have inferior material" he would say. Dobar Asmellek, the farmer whom had chastised Udib, and Stinthad Torishkubuk could till and plant a field in a day. Dobar had also been learning stilling back in Lolor Savot. The last was Shorast Velsodel, a stoneworker of few words. His crafts were top, though, and he had some skill in building design. Iden felt that was important. It was he who she asked where best to begin their outpost.

"Small pass between mountains over yonder. Carve the sides to cliffs, build into one side for shelter, other side for barracks if soldiers come." Shorast went silent, feeling he had said enough for the day. For the month, even, if Iden had observed anything about the dwarf.

"Not bad plan, I say so meself. We be well defended goblins come." Reg was already heading towards the small pass, Kogan behind him, both readying their picks. Calling them off was pointless. Reg mined when he wanted to. Udib hefted his ax to his shoulder. "Might as well start breaking down this wagon, then, and going about getting some lumber together. We'll need beds 'fore too long." "Come Stinthad, let's go find some fruit and herb's before the lummox chops down the entire forest"

The dwarves dispersed, all knowing what needed to be done without being told. Almost. Iden and Shorast still stood watching for a time. "Shorast...we'll need to plan the layout for the fortress. If we leave it to Reg, we'll have tunnels leading to nowhere, stairs leading to the very pits of hell, and no real rooms to speak of. Come, help me take inventory of our resources and plan our new home. Kudustadil"

And so it was that the outpost of Kudustadil was founded in the rolling hills many miles south of the dwarven kingdom Lolor Savot.

• • Oh there is so much more to tell. This has been my most successful fortress to date. The location couldn't be more perfect. There is only two ways to get at the fortress entrance (main entrance), and I've both trapped to high heaven. And with my barracks right in front of the entrance, anything that does get through is instantly thrashed. So many goblin raids held off. I hope to relate more of this story later.

The Smallest Immigrant's Tale^DF

This is the story of Mosus Tangathzulban. She was but a small child when the incident happened, her mother and father decided it would be best for their family to depart their homeland for a nearby up and coming fortress named "Nobfikod".

The small family of three was traveling with eight other immigrants. What suprises lay ahead? Fancy dining halls? Individual bedrooms? Idols and amazing items of the highest quality? All of these exciting new things to look forward to! "I hope they have bactrian milk daddy." Mosus proclaimed to which her father responded "I'm sure there will be all sorts of things there you'll like"

"I see Dwarves!" shouted one of the immigrants from up ahead "They must be coming to greet us!" Mosus and the immigrants rushed forward to greet their new friends, but something wasn't right. As they got closer, a gruesome scene was laid out before them. On top of the hillside were eight dwarves, filled with arrows and covered in blood. Mosus let forth a terrible cry and ran to her father.

It was one of the founding dwarves named "Iton" that gave them the warning. An arrow had pierced his neck and he spat up blood as he spoke "Ambshh.. Curse Them! entrance.... east". The last words he could muster before taking his final breath.

As they neared the entrance to the fortress they saw a trade caravan of treehuggers fighting off several goblin archers, four dwarves emerged from the fortress and put themselves between the immigrants and the peasants. The immigrants made it safely inside while those four brave dwarves sacrificed their lives.

There were several traps in the front doorway and three guard dogs posted behind the traps. Once they were safely behind the war dogs Zefon quickly turned around to see a small kitten get impaled through the stomach. The goblins advanced into the fortress and let loose a volley on the war dogs, killing one of them instantly. As the goblins advanced closer, many great boulders dropped from above and crushed some of them, two had been captured in traps.

Without a word the dwarves left the fortress to gather up their dead. They had to fight against raccoons for the bloody clothes of their fallen comrades and Mosus watched the as the two remaining founding dwarves approached the caged goblins and furiously flung them into the pit of pure remorse.

Mosus started to cry because her child-like mind had no way of preparing her for what she had just witnessed. After crying for several minutes, a ragged hand lifted up her chin. "Have some nice warm milk" said a calm voice. Mosus began to calm down and as she drank the bactrian milk she swore that she would do everything in her power to ensure something like this never happened again.

Mosus currently leads the largest squad in the entire Nobfikod army, and to this day there has not been an incident nearly as bad as the fateful day she arrived.

The origin of goblin thieves

Located here.

Mouthsmouldered and Logem Cattenromek

Located here.