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Difference between revisions of "ASCII art reward/M-S"

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[[Category:Humor and stories]]
 
[[Category:Humor and stories]]
 +
{{unversioned}}
  
 
==[[User:MacGyvers_Mullet|MacGyvers_Mullet]]==
 
==[[User:MacGyvers_Mullet|MacGyvers_Mullet]]==
Line 16: Line 17:
  
 
The sword slid through the goblin's throat and the dying creature fell
 
The sword slid through the goblin's throat and the dying creature fell
−
to the ground sputtering. Rognar had been born into a world of
+
to the ground sputtering. Rognar had been born into a world of
 
violence, and he would not share it with these stinking beasts.
 
violence, and he would not share it with these stinking beasts.
 
Striding upon their unnumbered broken bodies, the warrior reached the
 
Striding upon their unnumbered broken bodies, the warrior reached the
−
summit of the corpse mound and surveyed the carnage. The siege had
+
summit of the corpse mound and surveyed the carnage. The siege had
−
been broken. Here and there, a wimpering slave of darkness put up
+
been broken. Here and there, a wimpering slave of darkness put up
 
resistance or simply clung to life, but soon they would all be
 
resistance or simply clung to life, but soon they would all be
 
vanquished and the sun would bring a glorious dawn to the blood-red
 
vanquished and the sun would bring a glorious dawn to the blood-red
−
battlefield. Rognar smiled. It was a great day to be a dwarf.
+
battlefield. Rognar smiled. It was a great day to be a dwarf.
  
 
-Tarn
 
-Tarn
Line 31: Line 32:
 
<pre>!!()!!,k,...@,..#######||</pre>
 
<pre>!!()!!,k,...@,..#######||</pre>
  
−
He would never let the fiend escape again. That was what Neandar the
+
He would never let the fiend escape again. That was what Neandar the
 
dwarf thought before he flung himself into the black air of the chasm
 
dwarf thought before he flung himself into the black air of the chasm
−
after the skulking kobold thief. For many seconds they fell, time
+
after the skulking kobold thief. For many seconds they fell, time
 
enough for Neandar to recall his short life and short career on the
 
enough for Neandar to recall his short life and short career on the
−
Fortress Guard. Wet matter slammed into the dwarf's face and gave
+
Fortress Guard. Wet matter slammed into the dwarf's face and gave
−
way. The dwarf smashed through a dozen giant spider webs and hit the
+
way. The dwarf smashed through a dozen giant spider webs and hit the
 
ground running, hot on the trail of the kobold scum.
 
ground running, hot on the trail of the kobold scum.
  
−
A huge standing ring of fire dominated the floor of the chasm. The
+
A huge standing ring of fire dominated the floor of the chasm. The
−
kobold made for the hell portal with all speed. Neandar stopped in
+
kobold made for the hell portal with all speed. Neandar stopped in
−
his tracks. It was one thing to plunge to certain death in order to
+
his tracks. It was one thing to plunge to certain death in order to
−
retrieve a granite puzzle box. It was quite another to cast oneself
+
retrieve a granite puzzle box. It was quite another to cast oneself
−
into a dimension of ultimate evil. Yet these kobold cowards could not
+
into a dimension of ultimate evil. Yet these kobold cowards could not
−
be allowed to run about as they pleased. Lifting his axe over his
+
be allowed to run about as they pleased. Lifting his axe over his
 
head, the dwarf charged into the portal of doom.
 
head, the dwarf charged into the portal of doom.
  
 
-Zach
 
-Zach
 +
 +
==[[User:MaRKHeclim|MaRKHeclim]]==
 +
===(30 November 2015)===
 +
 +
<pre>####Rc%###@,.,.</pre>
 +
 +
It came from out of the clear blue sky.  The fortress dwarves heard a scream fading up into the nothingness above.  Expedition Leader Orin called for an immediate lockdown.  It was the Roc.  The giant eagle had been terrorizing every fortress in the mountain chain for months.  No dwarf above ground was safe. 
 +
 +
This was an impossible situation.  The underground highway was still years away from completion.  Because the dwarves were dependent on trade to keep up their booze supply, the caravans had to be protected.  Orin had to come up with a strategy.  It was decided to call on the Quest Knights.  The elite dwarves had never been defeated, for they were protected by the gods.
 +
 +
“We shall slay the bird,” said Sir Kogan, “or die trying.”
 +
 +
“You must not try,” said Orin.  “You must win!”
 +
 +
They were off on the hunt later that day, Sir Kogan, Sir Aliz, and Squire Wabit.  The scholars had triangulated the monster's nest by surveying the site of each murder.  The Roc's nest was high on Crocodile Mountain.  The peak was so named for the jagged outline it traced in the horizon.  It was an evil place, but neither the Quest Knights, nor Wabit were concerned.  They were protected by the gods.
 +
 +
The mountain goats which the knights rode were a hearty bunch.  Even so they had a tough time keeping their footing on Crocodile Mountain.  The shadows of the boulders cast by the sun played tricks on the knights and they soon became lost.  Wabit reminded them to keep the faith.  With the power of Nadir they would not only survive, they would triumph.
 +
 +
There it was, the monster's nest.  It was set on a ledge with a drop-off that seemed to extend down to infinity.  The Roc was gone, probably to inflict more damage on some unsuspecting dwarf fortress down below.  Kogan and Aliz climbed up the rock cliff, leaving Wabit back to tend the goats.
 +
 +
The monster's nest was so huge it was lined with fallen trees instead of branches.  Inside was a bright blue egg.  Sir Kogan was thrilled.  As the Roc had murdered his friends, so he would slay the beast's spawn.  He lifted his sword and swung down with all his might.  The egg cracked and fell open, revealing a huge, yellow baby chick.  The baby monster looked at Kogan and let out an ear-piercing chirp.
 +
 +
“Don't do it!” cried Wabit as he climbed into the nest.
 +
 +
It was too late.  Sir Kogan stabbed the giant chick in the side with his sword.  There was a deafening cry and out of the sky came the Roc.  Sir Aliz trying to pull his weapon by couldn't loose it in time, the Roc picked him up and sent him screaming over the side.  Sir Kogan turned to face the monster.  He deflected the giant bird's talons as they grabbed at him, but eventually his energy gave out and he collasped.
 +
 +
With a mournful cry the Roc seized the chick and Sir Kogan and flew off into the sky never to be seen again.  Wabit wept, for as was destined, the Quest Knights had never failed.  But as they had murdered an innocent, they no longer had the protection of the gods.
 +
 +
THE END
 +
 +
 +
Thanks again,<br>
 +
Tarn and Zach
  
 
==[[User:MasturNater|MasturNater]]==
 
==[[User:MasturNater|MasturNater]]==
−
===(30 November 2015)===
+
===(29 May 2020)===
  
 
<pre>@?@=+++@@@+@@++@+&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&</pre>
 
<pre>@?@=+++@@@+@@++@+&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&</pre>
  
−
Shouts could be heard further down the mine tunnel. None of the dwarves  
+
Shouts could be heard further down the mine tunnel. None of the dwarves  
−
figured they had too much longer to live. The rules had been broken and  
+
figured they had too much longer to live. The rules had been broken and  
−
the miners had begun to harvest adamantine from the forbidden ore vein.
+
the miners had begun to harvest adamantine from the forbidden ore vein.  
−
At first it appeared that everything would be okay. The magic ore fell  
+
At first it appeared that everything would be okay. The magic ore fell  
−
away from the tunnel wall leaving a black hole beyond. It didn't seem  
+
away from the tunnel wall leaving a black hole beyond. It didn't seem  
 
like a large enough portal for a demon to get through, but the miners  
 
like a large enough portal for a demon to get through, but the miners  
 
weren't as well versed in demonology as Kogan was.
 
weren't as well versed in demonology as Kogan was.
  
−
“We have to get out of here,” said Kogan. “Now.”
+
“We have to get out of here,” said Kogan. “Now.”
  
 
The assistant scribe rolled up all the scrolls he could carry as Kogan  
 
The assistant scribe rolled up all the scrolls he could carry as Kogan  
−
barked orders. The dwarves could smell smoke and the sounds of chaos  
+
barked orders. The dwarves could smell smoke and the sounds of chaos  
−
were growing closer. Together, Kogan and the scribe made their way out  
+
were growing closer. Together, Kogan and the scribe made their way out  
−
of the library and through the twisting corridors of the fortress. As  
+
of the library and through the twisting corridors of the fortress. As  
 
they watched the other dwarves rush by they knew there was no telling  
 
they watched the other dwarves rush by they knew there was no telling  
 
who would survive.
 
who would survive.
Line 81: Line 115:
 
The three chosen warriors left the Citadel of Hope, strapped on with
 
The three chosen warriors left the Citadel of Hope, strapped on with
 
all manner of magic weapons that the Council of Elders had presented
 
all manner of magic weapons that the Council of Elders had presented
−
them. Shizenbubin was the tracker of the group, always hot on the
+
them. Shizenbubin was the tracker of the group, always hot on the
−
trail of danger. Shizentubin was her sister, skilled in the ways of
+
trail of danger. Shizentubin was her sister, skilled in the ways of
−
the blade so that no enemy neck was safe. Azoul Buck was the leader.
+
the blade so that no enemy neck was safe. Azoul Buck was the leader.
 
She ran her fingers through her short blond hair, her muscular arm
 
She ran her fingers through her short blond hair, her muscular arm
 
flexing, covered with the crude tattoos of her tribe.
 
flexing, covered with the crude tattoos of her tribe.
  
−
This would be a short quest indeed. A party of goblins had ambushed
+
This would be a short quest indeed. A party of goblins had ambushed
−
the prince on his way to the castle. All the heroes need do is return
+
the prince on his way to the castle. All the heroes need do is return
−
him unspoiled. It would be easy to intercept them then on their way
+
him unspoiled. It would be easy to intercept them then on their way
−
to the Black Fortress, given Shizenbubin's incredible skill. However,
+
to the Black Fortress, given Shizenbubin's incredible skill. However,
−
time was not on their side. Goblins grew bored easily and might make
+
time was not on their side. Goblins grew bored easily and might make
−
sport of the prince's bodily members. Azoul set the pace, a quick
+
sport of the prince's bodily members. Azoul set the pace, a quick
−
trot through the woods. She smiled at the easily-won glory that
+
trot through the woods. She smiled at the easily-won glory that
 
awaited her squad at the end of the journey.
 
awaited her squad at the end of the journey.
  
Line 134: Line 168:
  
 
"That ought to keep 'em out," Doran said confidently, patting the granite
 
"That ought to keep 'em out," Doran said confidently, patting the granite
−
block which he had just slid into place. Ever since the Baron had insisted
+
block which he had just slid into place. Ever since the Baron had insisted
 
on mining out the gold vein in the wall, Doran had been dealing with the
 
on mining out the gold vein in the wall, Doran had been dealing with the
−
rats. It couldn't be helped. Gold was gold after all, but it was just
+
rats. It couldn't be helped. Gold was gold after all, but it was just
 
Doran's luck that the miners had broken through to a large chasm not far
 
Doran's luck that the miners had broken through to a large chasm not far
 
from the craftsdwarf's room.
 
from the craftsdwarf's room.
  
−
The dwarf laid down on his bed and began to think about the next project. A
+
The dwarf laid down on his bed and began to think about the next project. A
−
puzzlebox, perhaps, something challenging. Just as Doran was drifting off
+
puzzlebox, perhaps, something challenging. Just as Doran was drifting off
 
into dreams of the design, he heard a scratching on the block.
 
into dreams of the design, he heard a scratching on the block.
  
−
"Ha! Keep trying you little demons," the dwarf chuckled. The scratching
+
"Ha! Keep trying you little demons," the dwarf chuckled. The scratching
−
continued. It was irritating, but the dwarf could block it out. Then there
+
continued. It was irritating, but the dwarf could block it out. Then there
−
was a grating scrape as the block moved an inch. The dwarf sat up and
+
was a grating scrape as the block moved an inch. The dwarf sat up and
−
stared at the wall in amazement. Impossible, he thought.
+
stared at the wall in amazement. Impossible, he thought.
  
−
The block slid forward further. Small, clawed fingers worked their way
+
The block slid forward further. Small, clawed fingers worked their way
 
around the stone until a gray, furry hand grasped one corner of the block.
 
around the stone until a gray, furry hand grasped one corner of the block.
 
The stone turned slightly.
 
The stone turned slightly.
  
 
Doran seized his chisel from the nearby table and leapt toward the block,
 
Doran seized his chisel from the nearby table and leapt toward the block,
−
stabbing downward. The tool grazed the hand, leaving a spatter of blood on
+
stabbing downward. The tool grazed the hand, leaving a spatter of blood on
−
the stone. There was a shriek, and the bleeding hand disappeared into the
+
the stone. There was a shriek, and the bleeding hand disappeared into the
 
dark crack.
 
dark crack.
  
 
The craftsdwarf pushed the block back into place and backed away, chisel in
 
The craftsdwarf pushed the block back into place and backed away, chisel in
−
hand. After a moment, the scratching began anew.
+
hand. After a moment, the scratching began anew.
  
 
===(07 Jun 2007)===
 
===(07 Jun 2007)===
 
<pre>##.,.||%r%+@+|</pre>
 
<pre>##.,.||%r%+@+|</pre>
  
−
"Leave me be, you fiend!" Doran yelled, his chisel held toward the stone
+
"Leave me be, you fiend!" Doran yelled, his chisel held toward the stone
−
block. The scratching became louder and more persistent.
+
block. The scratching became louder and more persistent.
  
 
Once again, the block moved, but this time no fingers poked through the
 
Once again, the block moved, but this time no fingers poked through the
−
crack. The beast had learned. The slab of granite was being pushed
+
crack. The beast had learned. The slab of granite was being pushed
−
directly from behind, and it glided slowly toward Doran. The dwarf backed
+
directly from behind, and it glided slowly toward Doran. The dwarf backed
 
toward his bed.
 
toward his bed.
  
−
The block stopped sliding. There was now enough space to allow something to
+
The block stopped sliding. There was now enough space to allow something to
 
pass through the hole in the wall, but the block was large and Doran could
 
pass through the hole in the wall, but the block was large and Doran could
−
not see behind it. For a long moment, nothing stirred. The craftsdwarf
+
not see behind it. For a long moment, nothing stirred. The craftsdwarf
 
knelt and opened the chest by the foot of his bed, muttering.
 
knelt and opened the chest by the foot of his bed, muttering.
  
−
At once, a creature leapt from behind the block and faced Doran. It was a
+
At once, a creature leapt from behind the block and faced Doran. It was a
 
ratman, ravening, its long yellow incisors surrounded by froth, its
 
ratman, ravening, its long yellow incisors surrounded by froth, its
−
patchy-furred flesh stretched tight over its starved body. The thing
+
patchy-furred flesh stretched tight over its starved body. The thing
 
hungered and would have Doran for its meal.
 
hungered and would have Doran for its meal.
  
−
The dwarf stood, a vial in his hand. The ratman lunged forward and Doran
+
The dwarf stood, a vial in his hand. The ratman lunged forward and Doran
−
hurled the vial at the beast's face. The glass shattered, and the creature
+
hurled the vial at the beast's face. The glass shattered, and the creature
−
clutched its black protruding eyes as they steamed. Doran rushed forward
+
clutched its black protruding eyes as they steamed. Doran rushed forward
 
and stabbed the ratman repeatedly with the chisel until it stopped moving.
 
and stabbed the ratman repeatedly with the chisel until it stopped moving.
  
−
"Pity about that. I was going to ask Mul to do some etchings for me."
+
"Pity about that. I was going to ask Mul to do some etchings for me."
  
 
===(15 Jul 2007)===
 
===(15 Jul 2007)===
Line 193: Line 227:
  
 
"Yes, I'm sorry, Mul, it would have been a thrilling project," Doran said,
 
"Yes, I'm sorry, Mul, it would have been a thrilling project," Doran said,
−
pausing to take another swig of whiskey. "I can't believe how much trouble
+
pausing to take another swig of whiskey. "I can't believe how much trouble
 
we've been having with ratmen lately."
 
we've been having with ratmen lately."
  
 
"Perhaps there's a larger beast down in the chasm riling them up," Mul
 
"Perhaps there's a larger beast down in the chasm riling them up," Mul
−
replied. "Kogan's child was taken not long ago."
+
replied. "Kogan's child was taken not long ago."
  
 
"Yes, surely something unusual is afoot."
 
"Yes, surely something unusual is afoot."
  
−
Meanwhile, Kogan stood with his axe by the chasm bridge. Ever since the boy
+
Meanwhile, Kogan stood with his axe by the chasm bridge. Ever since the boy
 
Aliz had been lost, the soldier had tirelessly patrolled the walkways along
 
Aliz had been lost, the soldier had tirelessly patrolled the walkways along
 
the deepest parts of the rift, killing dozens of ratmen and a few large
 
the deepest parts of the rift, killing dozens of ratmen and a few large
−
spiders. He would not be satisfied until the depths were devoid of life.
+
spiders. He would not be satisfied until the depths were devoid of life.
  
−
A foul wind blew up from the chasm. Kogan leaned to the side and peered
+
A foul wind blew up from the chasm. Kogan leaned to the side and peered
−
down over the edge of the bridge. The impact was sudden and the dwarf was
+
down over the edge of the bridge. The impact was sudden and the dwarf was
−
knocked on his back in the middle of the bridge. Kogan heard the sound of
+
knocked on his back in the middle of the bridge. Kogan heard the sound of
 
stone being scraped without respect, and he.found himself staring into the
 
stone being scraped without respect, and he.found himself staring into the
 
rotten eyes of a giant decaying reptile.
 
rotten eyes of a giant decaying reptile.
  
  
−
==[[User:Met|Met]]==
+
==[[User:Metorical|Metorical]]==
−
===(June 2011)===
+
===(November 2009)===
−
<pre>||~@++%||@++++</pre>
+
<pre>UUUU/UU/U#+!++@@@@</pre>
  
−
"I am innocent of these crimes!" cried Fuglin as he was dragged away. Sitting in the dungeon cell, he could recall the cheers of the dwarves as the judge pronounced the verdict. It wasn't fair. The adamantine wasn't his.  He was just holding it for somebody.  Now in prison, he was left to rot. A guard stopped by his cell and poured a cup of gruel on the cold stone floor.  Anger and despair were all he felt now.  From now on he dared not hope.
+
Dwarves hurled boulders down on the invaders as they advanced by
 +
ladder. Sharkra smiled, for this meant they had run out of ammunition
 +
for their war machines. She dodged out of the way as a human invader
 +
plunged down past her to a rocky doom. Sharkra grimaced. Machines or
 +
not, these dwarves would fight the death to save their blasted
 +
mountain. At last she reached the battlements.
  
−
--
+
Battle master Sharkra was an evil genius of combat. It was rumored
 +
she had sacrificed everything she loved for riches and lost it all
 +
gambling the same night. Her very aura smelled of the underworld.
 +
Now she soldiered for anyone who would pay her. Pay her and her elite
 +
troop of mercenaries, the Unholy Band. This time is was rat-lord
 +
Gomra that hired her.
  
−
It had begun as such a small thing. Fuglin and the goblin had known each other since the construction of the fortress. Fuglin was young then.
+
Sharkra pulled herself onto the fortress wall. Members of the Unholy
 +
Band leapt over the battlements, light on their feet. Together they
 +
advanced on the dwarves. Sharkra wielded a giant mace, while the Band
 +
pulled rapiers from polished sheaths.
  
−
One day Fuglin visited the goblin, this time locked in the stockade.
+
“We have you,” said Sharkra. “Throw down your weapons and die quickly.”
  
−
"You know the path through the stone?" said the goblin. "The one we built as children?  You must go there and bring me what you find. It is the key to my release."
+
Something sailed through the air and struck Sharkra in the face, a
 +
glass flask filled with fuming liquid. The glass shattered sending
 +
pain coursing through the evil woman’s body. She put her hand to her
 +
face and it came back covered in slime. She straightened up and
 +
looked around. The Unholy Band was laughing at her. Sadly, this
 +
wasn’t the first time.
  
−
===(July 2011)===
+
“What are you standing around for?” screeched Sharkra. “Kill them.”
−
<pre>,.,.,.,.,@|#######&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&</pre>
 
  
−
The space was not built for more than a child, a narrow, twisting tunnel winding its way through the foundations of the fortress. At the bottom, Fuglin saw a light, a silvery glowing rock at the end of the tunnel. This must be it, thought Fuglin, a bribe to set the goblin free. Hastily, Fuglin took up his pick and chiseled off a piece of the silver metal.
+
The vain and evil Sharkra pulled a mirror from her pack which she
 +
carried at all times. Her face was never much to begin with, but now
 +
it was utterly ruined. Gomra, thought Sharkra, it is all his fault.
 +
The warrior woman whistled and the Unholy Band followed her as she
 +
retreated from the fortress.
  
−
Something lay beyond the tunnel.  A hole the size of a dwarf's fist opened where Fuglin struck.  He could hear a strange howling within, no doubt another subterranean jungle.  The dwarf didn't stay to find out.  He squirmed as fast as he could, finally reaching the exit where he found the goblin, free from his bonds.
+
“It is said,” intoned dwarf captain Duzelm, “that evil shall always
 +
turn upon itself.”
  
−
"You survived," said the goblin. "Keep the adamantine as a token of our friendship."
+
“What is your plan master?” asked Bally, the dwarven squire.
  
−
"Wait!" cried Fuglin, but the goblin had disappeared.
+
“We shall follow this villain back to Lord Gomra,” said Duzelm “and
 +
catch all the rats in the same trap. Go to the humans in Gelthtown,
 +
they have the quick steeds we require.”
  
−
===(October 2011)===
+
Before the day was through, the men of Gelthtown had assembled the
−
<pre>@@@@@,.,o@,..##||#&#&#&&&&#&</pre>
+
horses, along with master rider Jorna. She was blond and lean, draped
 +
in the leathers of a Gelthtown tracker. The dwarves climbed onto the
 +
horses and strapped themselves in.
  
−
What happened next was hard to say.  There was a lot of smoke and fire.  Dwarves ran screaming through the fortress.  Captains shouted orders to soldiers they could not see through the clouds of burning vapor.  Fuglin was scared beyond reason.  He tried to follow the others, ducking when the monsters swooped down.
+
“Are you sure you can keep up with the Unholy Band?” asked Captain Duzelm.
  
−
It seemed it would never end, then Fuglin came rolling out of the fortress gate just as another fire blast rocketed overhead. As it was, the demons could not, or would not set foot outside the fortress. What few dwarves that were left gathered at the hills below.  Fuglin recognized a blacksmith which with he had apprenticed.  Before he could speak the blacksmith pointed his finger.
+
Jorna laughed. “Just pray I don’t reach Gomra before Sharkra does,” she said.
  
−
"He is the one!" the dwarf cried.  "Look!  He still has the rock in his paw!"
+
==[[User:Midelne|Midelne]]==
  
−
Fuglin looked down, having until now forgotten the adamantine in his hand.
+
===Fish Dwarf Begin: (6 August 2007)===
 +
<pre>~~@~~X</pre>
  
−
===(July 2014)===
+
They called him Fish-Dwarf. He was the only worker in the outpost willing to brave the depths of the cave river in order to service the floodgate mechanisms when they became clogged with the seasonal muds.
−
<pre>@g+0++0++0++0++0++0++0++<</pre>
 
  
−
"You have a visitor," said the prison guard.
+
It was that time again. The farming gates weren't operational, and the planting had to begin immediately. Fish-Dwarf had his tools, and the special fins he had manufactured were secured to broad feet. Everything was ready. The frightened faces of the onlooking children would not dissuade him. Fish-Dwarf understood that this was his calling. He was the only one that could save the outpost. The dwarf inhaled, and his chest swelled to nearly double its original size. Clearing his mind, the dwarf dove into the water.
  
−
It was the goblin, dressed in a dark cloak.  Fuglin had blamed his
+
===(8 November 2007)===
−
fate on the goblin, but now that he saw him it all seemed so
+
<pre>~~~@%X</pre>
−
pointless.  In the morning, he would go to the hammerer to be forged
 
−
anew.  Fuglin began to wonder why the goblin showed up at all if not
 
−
to gloat at his handiwork.
 
  
−
"Take this glass pill," said the goblin, holding out his hand, "and
+
Fish-Dwarf swam down the narrow tunnel to the gate mechanism. The water was murky and even with his superior vision he could only just see his hands sweeping ahead of him.
−
bite down with your teeth.  Death will come swiftly."
 
  
−
The goblin dropped the pill into Fuglin's open hand. The fluid in the
+
The upper portion of the mechanism appeared suddenly before him. The dwarf inspected the machinery quickly, mindful of his air, yet confident that he had at least a few minutes left. The top assembly was clear, so the mud must have worked itself into the lower gears. Fish-Dwarf pushed his way down.
−
green glass capsule looked black and foreboding.  Still, it beat a
 
−
humiliating public execution. The goblin turned and left without
 
−
saying another word. Fuglin put the pill in his mouth and bit down
 
−
hard.  A moment's dizziness was all he had time to experience.
 
  
−
"Where am I?" asked Fuglin.
+
The swollen rotting face of a lizardman greeted him, twisted into the gears. Not again, Fish-Dwarf thought, dejected. It would take at least three trips to dislodge all of the chunks. The dwarf removed the chisel from his tool case and began working it into the sticking jam.
  
−
"Quiet," said the goblin. "We are in the catacombs.  The dwarves
+
===(10 December 2007)===
−
believe you committed suicide."
+
<pre>+@@+@@@+~~~~~</pre>
−
 
+
−
"But I did commit suicide," mumbled Fuglin.
+
"Fish-Dwarf, you have saved us!" the children shouted as the wet dwarf
−
 
+
pulled his way up on to the bank. He had finished his last cleaning
−
"You can take that up with your deity later," said the goblin. "For
+
run, and already the floodgate was rising, ushering in the waters that
−
now we must get you out of these funeral shrouds and escape before we
+
would prepare the way for the summer harvest.
−
are discovered."
+
   
−
 
+
"Truly, Fish-Dwarf, your mastery of the murky depths never ceases to
−
===(October 2015)===
+
amaze us. You are a hero," the Mayor Kogan said, offering Fish-Dwarf
−
 
+
a mug of the outpost's best.
−
<pre>g@,.,.@@@></pre>
+
−
 
+
"I am glad I could help," Fish-Dwarf said, draining the mug in one
−
Why had he been rescued?  Fuglin was a traitor and had to be forged anew, but to do that, he had to die.  The goblin held his hand as they exited the tomb.  There was a family of dwarves mourning just outside. As they passed, the goblin held Fuglin close, pretending to be lovers lost in grief.  It worked this time, but in order to start a new life, they needed Fuglin to exchange his sackcloth for real clothes. The goblin led Fuglin through a maze of corridors to the fortress market.
+
motion. "If only the river waters were whiskey, my life would be
−
 
+
complete."
−
“You look like a scribe to me,” said the goblin.
+
−
 
+
"I fear we would never see you again if that were the case!" the Mayor jested.
−
“Like those creeps that spend their whole lives in the library?” complained Fuglin.
+
 +
Fish-Dwarf pondered a moment. "Indeed. Yet the search for the
 +
Whiskey River is a quest for the young, I'm afraid."
 +
 +
"We here at Gladanvil are happy to have you," the Mayor replied as the
 +
crowd dispersed. As the others left, the mayor pulled Fish-Dwarf
 +
aside.
 +
   
 +
"-- and yet, I fear you cannot stay long. I've received word from
 +
King Dorazar. He has heard tell of your talents, and our liaison from
 +
the Mountainhome has conveyed his request for your presence at the
 +
capital."
 +
 +
"My presence? Surely the engineers of the Mountainhome can manage the
 +
mighty floodgates and channels of Steelpoint without my help."
 +
 +
"It isn't farming trouble, Fish-Dwarf," the Mayor said, lowering his
 +
voice to a whisper. "Many fisherdwarves have been lost to the waters.
 +
There is something lurking in the Lake of Columns."
  
−
“Forget your old life,” said the goblin.  “That is what it means to serve in the Order of Nadir.”
+
===(18 January 2008)===
−
 
+
<pre>~~~@/~~%OB%OO%%%~~</pre>
−
===(November 2015)===
+
−
 
+
Innumerable stalactites hung from the ceiling of the expansive gem-lit
−
<pre>+++@p|</pre>
+
cavern, many dipping down through the still surface of the black
−
 
+
waters. This was the Lake of Columns, the source of life for
−
Writing prose under the pen name Robinor, Fuglin began his new life as a scribe.  Life was different out in the periphery. The monastery where the scribe worked was built into a hillside deep in the Forbidden Forest. Not many people would risk a journey there, but Robinor's works ended up being so skillful and filled with such beauty that he gained the one thing he could no longer afford, fame.
+
Steelpoint, and now a place of dread.
−
 
+
   
−
None of the brothers spoke to Robinor as they had all taken vows of silence, but the dwarf could still tell that they were pretty mad about all the visitors they had been attracting lately.  Robinor greeted his fans with the humility one would expect from a monk, but it was easy to tell that the dwarf was succumbing to the sin of pride.
+
Fish-Dwarf fit the blades into place on his fins. The citizens of
 +
Steelpoint did not know what the creature was, but no fewer than seven
 +
fisherdwarves had been lost at the shore. No matter, thought
 +
Fish-Dwarf. King Dorazar had charged him to slay the lurking threat,
 +
and that is what he would do. Still, the nature of the creature
 +
eluded him. It had been years since his last combat with an aquatic
 +
beast, and then it was only the cave crocodiles and lizardmen that
 +
occasionally harassed his own community. Steelpoint would not have
 +
sent for him over such a triviality. Hefting his mighty trident,
 +
Fish-Dwarf nodded to the gathered onlookers before leaping into the
 +
lake.
 +
 +
The water was clear, and he could see the broad columns well ahead of
 +
him down to where they joined the submerged floor of the cavern.
 +
Behind any of these formations, the beast could lurk.
 +
   
 +
There! Nestled between three columns was a gigantic bloated form on
 +
the lake bottom. Fish-Dwarf swam closer, almost drifting. What
 +
manner of beast was this? Great tentacles it had, and a toothy maw
 +
which flopped open as it slumbered, surrounded by half-consumed bodies
 +
of the dead.
 +
 +
Fish-Dwarf was almost upon it now, his trident lifted above his head
 +
as he sank slowly toward the sleeping fiend. As he prepared to
 +
strike, the lurid thing's lone eye flashed open.
  
−
One day, Robinor was praying in the shrine to Nadir when a bird landed on the creepy statue of the god of the depths. It was a parrot, out of place in the cold northern climate.  Robinor stood on his feet and walked over to the statue.
+
===(15 May 2008)===
−
 
+
<pre>------------------------
−
“Pretty bird,” said Robinor.  “Pretty bird.”
+
~~~~~~~~~~~@/~%~~~~~~~~~
−
 
+
------------------------</pre>
−
“You are all going to die,” said the parrot.
+
−
 
+
Tentacles lashed out, looping around Fish-Dwarf's torso and pinning
−
=== (December 2015) ===
+
his arms to his chest. A force stronger than any he had ever
−
 
+
experienced crushed his ribs and a stream of bubbles shot from his
−
<pre>pg+++@+</pre>
+
mouth as the breath was squeezed from his body. Fish-Dwarf
−
 
+
desperately slashed at the tentacles with his fin blades and as his
−
“What?” asked Robinor, stupidly to the bird.
+
vision faded to black he saw that the water was thick with curling
 +
purple ribbons of the foul beast's tainted blood. The monster's grip
 +
loosened and Fish-Dwarf was able to free his arms. His sight had not
 +
returned, but when he stabbed his trident downward, he felt it sink
 +
deep into the creature. The monster's body convulsed and it raced
 +
into the open water, Fish-Dwarf still clinging to the imbedded weapon.
 +
   
 +
I cannot let go so long as I cannot see, or I will surely be devoured,
 +
Fish-Dwarf thought, though the beast continued on into the depths at
 +
such speed that the diver could not maintain his bearings, and
 +
suddenly in the back of his mind arose a strange sensation... it was
 +
the need for air, such as he had not experienced for many years. A
 +
tingling came to his throat and nose, and his head began to feel numb
 +
as he became more desperate for breath, and yet slowly, his vision was
 +
returning.
 +
   
 +
The beast slowed, its energy spent, and it settled on to the lake
 +
bottom, unmoving. Fish-Dwarf jammed the trident into it a few times;
 +
the thing was dead. Now, the surface! Fish-Dwarf pulled his weapon
 +
from the monster and swam upward, but he stopped immediately. As far
 +
as he could see in the now-dark water, a smooth ceiling of limestone
 +
greeted him. The monster had fled into a great crack in the lake
 +
bottom, so far and so deep that the light from the gem lamps was no
 +
longer visible. Just the endless water and rock of the submerged
 +
tomb of Fish-Dwarf, he thought, as he chose a direction and swam.
  
−
“Fuglin,” said the parrot.
+
===Fish Dwarf End: (1 July 2008)===
 +
<pre>,@!,.~~~~~~~~</pre>
  
−
The monk's face went white as a sheet. Someone had taught the parrot to speak these words, someone connected to his old life. The scribe, Robinor, had thought he had left all of that behind. Occasionally a dwarven survivor from Robinor's old fortress would appear at the monastery, but they never recognized him. This was something far more sinister. It had to be the goblin.
+
He had chosen the wrong direction. Either that or the beast had
 +
dragged Fish-Dwarf so far into the mountain that the fires of the
 +
underworld were closer than the light of the lamps. His breath was
 +
long since gone -- moving forward was all that could keep him from
 +
panicking. After every few kicks, the dwarf would reach up to feel
 +
the limestone. If anything, the rock was closing in. No... what's
 +
this? His hand curled up around a sharp corner. Fish-Dwarf grabbed
 +
it firmly with both hands and pulled, launching himself upward.
  
−
“You have a visitor,” croaked a monk.
+
The dwarf fully expected to meet a wall of rock, but instead he glided
−
 
+
freely until at long last he broke the surface of the water, gasping
−
“Your holy vow?” asked Robinor, panicking.
+
for air. As the dwarf calmed down, he realized that he could still
 +
see nothing. He felt walls close by in all directions, as if he had
 +
just swum up a shaft, though there was a ledge overhanging the water
 +
on to which he could haul himself and rest his weary body. Fish-Dwarf
 +
passed in and out of consciousness for a time, perhaps an hour, before
 +
he sat up and assessed his situation.  
  
−
“See for yourself,” said the monk. “Then you will understand.”
+
He could dive back into the water with his lungs full of air and try
 +
to find the lamps, now unmolested by great underwater beasts, but he
 +
did not relish the idea of leaving the entrance to the shaft behind in
 +
total darkness as he explored the crevice below. The only alternative
 +
was to feel his way along the walls from this ledge above the grotto.
 +
These limestone mountains were laced with natural caverns and after a
 +
brief exploration of the surrounding stone he found this hollow was no
 +
exception -- there was a mud-slicked passage that ran into the
 +
mountain. Without hesitation, Fish-Dwarf struck out into the cavern.
  
−
It could only be one person, the phantom from the past. The goblin stood at the entrance of the building, the parrot on his shoulder.  He smiled at Robinor as he approached.
+
-- How long since he had started on this dreary journey? Though the mud
−
 
+
was often thick, Fish-Dwarf had not trudged through so much as a
−
“Fuglin!” said the goblin. “It's been a long time, my friend.”
+
puddle these many days. He thirsted for spirits, nay, even water, and
−
 
+
he longed to swim again. The dwarf had long since abandoned his fins
−
“I am no longer that person,” said Robinor.  “I have a new life here.”
+
and other equipment as they encumbered him too much on the march.
−
 
+
Every so often, he imagined he saw the gem lamps ahead, though it
−
“You have the life I gave you,” said the goblin, the smile fading from his lips.
+
could just as easily be the cooking fires of a goblin encampment, or
−
 
+
some darker torture, as the lights of the capital he sought. There
−
==[[User:Metorical|Metorical]]==
+
they were, even now... lights! Or light at least, the barest speck
−
===(November 2009)===
+
in the distance ahead. Fish-Dwarf moved swiftly, no longer plodding,
−
<pre>UUUU/UU/U#+!++@@@@</pre>
+
still careful of the stalactites but driving forward rapidly all the
 +
same. The speck became an opening, and he could see the mud of the
 +
passage floor illuminated in the distance, with stone walls further
 +
beyond. Only a few more steps...
  
−
Dwarves hurled boulders down on the invaders as they advanced by
+
The cavern opened out upon a rocky river valley in a canyon sheer to
−
ladder. Sharkra smiled, for this meant they had run out of ammunition
+
the greatest heights yet welcoming the noon-day sun. The entrance
−
for their war machines.  She dodged out of the way as a human invader
+
where Fish-Dwarf stood was at the bottom of the cliffs a short walk
−
plunged down past her to a rocky doom. Sharkra grimaced. Machines or
+
down pebble-laden slopes to the stream below. Instantly, Fish-Dwarf
−
not, these dwarves would fight the death to save their blasted
+
could tell that these were no ordinary waters. They were the color of
−
mountain. At last she reached the battlements.
+
honey, yet the current flowed rapidly. And the aroma! The
 +
intoxicating aroma! There was no question in his mind. Whether it
 +
fell from the throne of some inebriated sky god and vanished into the
 +
underworld to besot the armies of hell made no difference, for here,
 +
in this world, in this very mountain range, ran the slightest stretch
 +
of the Whiskey River. His mind unencumbered by thoughts of duty or
 +
home, Fish-Dwarf made his way down to the riverside to drink his fill.
  
−
Battle master Sharkra was an evil genius of combat.  It was rumored
+
===Hunger Begin (11 June 2008)===
−
she had sacrificed everything she loved for riches and lost it all
+
<pre>,..,.++U+,.+,.+U~U||</pre>
−
gambling the same night. Her very aura smelled of the underworld.
 
−
Now she soldiered for anyone who would pay her. Pay her and her elite
 
−
troop of mercenaries, the Unholy Band. This time is was rat-lord
 
−
Gomra that hired her.
 
  
−
Sharkra pulled herself onto the fortress wall.  Members of the Unholy
+
Suffering blighted the land with cruel hunger. Wagons brought foul
−
Band leapt over the battlements, light on their feet. Together they
+
fungus from the dwarven mountains. It was barely enough to sustain
−
advanced on the dwarves.  Sharkra wielded a giant mace, while the Band
+
those base enough to eat such filth. The rest died. Paldadar rested
−
pulled rapiers from polished sheaths.
+
against the hilt of his great sword. He looked over his shoulder at
 +
the dark stone castle. Turning his back on mud brick huts, the knight
 +
passed by the scraggly bearded guards and entered the keep.
 +
   
 +
From a high window, bright, mocking sunlight shone across the dark
 +
wooden throne and the troubled king that sat upon it. The old man
 +
reached for his cup, and after taking a sip, spat the vile dwarven
 +
brew unto the stone floor. A herald in a mud-smattered tunic rushed
 +
to wipe up the spill, but seeing the knight, rose to confront him.
 +
 +
"You were not summoned, Sir Paldadar," spit the herald. "Go ask the
 +
peasants instead of begging the king for scraps from the royal table."
 +
 +
"Silence, Rodger," said the king.
 +
 +
The herald jumped away like a whipped dog. The king motioned the
 +
knight to come forward.
 +
 +
"The gods have abandoned this place," said the king. "Only through
 +
their glory will the days of bounty return. It is for this reason you
 +
must smite the heathen Farthlings where they dwell across the river.
 +
When their land is in ruin, the gods at last will favor us."
 +
   
 +
The knight ground his teeth. This was obviously High Priest Igland's
 +
doing. But perhaps there was wisdom in punishing the arrogant
 +
Farthlings for their many insults. Death by the sword was much
 +
preferable to slow certain death by starvation.
  
−
“We have you,” said Sharkra. “Throw down your weapons and die quickly.”
+
===(17 June 2008)===
 +
<pre>==?T?====,.UH,.U</pre>
  
−
Something sailed through the air and struck Sharkra in the face, a
+
As Paldadar walked away from the keep, peasants averted their hungry
−
glass flask filled with fuming liquid. The glass shattered sending
+
faces. He was still a knight, even if he represented the most
−
pain coursing through the evil woman’s body. She put her hand to her
+
wretched of kingdoms. A frail sissy approached from behind, leading
−
face and it came back covered in slime. She straightened up and
+
two horses. Paldadar swung around, drawing his sword. There stood
−
looked around.  The Unholy Band was laughing at her. Sadly, this
+
Rodger, wearing the snottiest of faces, his nose in the air.
−
wasn’t the first time.
+
   
−
 
+
"By the will of the king," he hissed, "I am to be your squire."
−
“What are you standing around for?” screeched Sharkra. “Kill them.”
+
−
 
+
Paldadar prayed to the gods for mercy. Would that a Farthling's bolt
−
The vain and evil Sharkra pulled a mirror from her pack which she
+
find his heart soon that he be saved from further tortures. Together
−
carried at all times.  Her face was never much to begin with, but now
+
the pair made their way to the Temple of Love, where High Priest
−
it was utterly ruined.  Gomra, thought Sharkra, it is all his fault.
+
Igland waited to bless their holy crusade.
−
The warrior woman whistled and the Unholy Band followed her as she
+
   
−
retreated from the fortress.
+
The temple was built on a tall hill, a ring of marble columns
 +
surrounding an enormous stone stele, pricking the sky with its
 +
majesty. All around the temple, peasants scrambled to snatch at the
 +
scraps donated by the monks that poured rotten food down the hill. As
 +
Paldadar entered the temple, he was surrounded by fat priests and
 +
priestesses that danced around him in a grotesque, undulating display.  
  
−
“It is said,” intoned dwarf captain Duzelm, “that evil shall always
+
The knight refused a cup of offered wine, which Rodger snatched up
−
turn upon itself.”
+
and drank freely.
 +
 +
At the center of the temple, High Priest Igland stood, wearing nothing
 +
save a red loincloth.
 +
 +
"When you wake in the morning," said Igland, "consider Love."
 +
 +
"Many happy couplings," said Paldadar as was the prescribed response.
 +
 +
"You must put an end to the Farthling menace," said the priest,
 +
growing angry. "If their God of Suicide spreads his faith to our
 +
kingdom, none of our desperate peasants will survive. You must strike
 +
the heart of their kingdom and burn their temple to the ground."
 +
 +
Paldadar made the gesture of obedience and departed, pulling Rodger
 +
away from the cavorting priests.
 +
 +
The kingdom of the Farthlings was separated from the kingdom of Love
 +
by the River of Sorrow, whose wide fast-moving waters could only be
 +
crossed in one place. This was the Bridge of Destiny. As the riders
 +
approached, Rodger twitched with fear and apprehension, for it was
 +
said the bridge was guarded by an evil water troll. At the bridge,
 +
Paldadar held up his gauntleted hand. The horses stopped, and the
 +
knight dismounted. Paldadar drew his sword and walked out onto the
 +
wooden planks.
  
−
“What is your plan master?” asked Bally, the dwarven squire.
+
===(3 July 2008)===
−
 
+
<pre>%,..%,.|%.,.UH,%..%%UH,,%.~%,..(%).,.%|,..%</pre>
−
“We shall follow this villain back to Lord Gomra,” said Duzelm “and
 
−
catch all the rats in the same trap.  Go to the humans in Gelthtown,
 
−
they have the quick steeds we require.”
 
−
 
 
−
Before the day was through, the men of Gelthtown had assembled the
 
−
horses, along with master rider Jorna.  She was blond and lean, draped
 
−
in the leathers of a Gelthtown tracker.  The dwarves climbed onto the
 
−
horses and strapped themselves in.
 
−
 
 
−
“Are you sure you can keep up with the Unholy Band?” asked Captain Duzelm.
 
−
 
 
−
Jorna laughed.  “Just pray I don’t reach Gomra before Sharkra does,” she said.
 
−
 
 
−
==[[User:Midelne|Midelne]]==
 
−
 
 
−
===Fish Dwarf Begin: (6 August 2007)===
 
−
<pre>~~@~~X</pre>
 
−
 
 
−
They called him Fish-Dwarf. He was the only worker in the outpost willing to brave the depths of the cave river in order to service the floodgate mechanisms when they became clogged with the seasonal muds.
 
−
 
 
−
It was that time again. The farming gates weren't operational, and the planting had to begin immediately. Fish-Dwarf had his tools, and the special fins he had manufactured were secured to broad feet. Everything was ready. The frightened faces of the onlooking children would not dissuade him.  Fish-Dwarf understood that this was his calling.  He was the only one that could save the outpost.  The dwarf inhaled, and his chest swelled to nearly double its original size.  Clearing his mind, the dwarf dove into the water.
 
−
 
 
−
===(8 November 2007)===
 
−
<pre>~~~@%X</pre>
 
−
 
 
−
Fish-Dwarf swam down the narrow tunnel to the gate mechanism.  The water was murky and even with his superior vision he could only just see his hands sweeping ahead of him.
 
−
 
 
−
The upper portion of the mechanism appeared suddenly before him.  The dwarf inspected the machinery quickly, mindful of his air, yet confident that he had at least a few minutes left. The top assembly was clear, so the mud must have worked itself into the lower gears. Fish-Dwarf pushed his way down.
 
−
 
 
−
The swollen rotting face of a lizardman greeted him, twisted into the gears. Not again, Fish-Dwarf thought, dejected. It would take at least three trips to dislodge all of the chunks. The dwarf removed the chisel from his tool case and began working it into the sticking jam.
 
−
 
 
−
===(10 December 2007)===
 
−
<pre>+@@+@@@+~~~~~</pre>
 
 
   
 
   
−
"Fish-Dwarf, you have saved us!" the children shouted as the wet dwarf
+
Green flames shot up from beneath the bridge. Horrid laughter pealed
−
pulled his way up on to the bank. He had finished his last cleaning
+
across the blighted landscape. The knight turned to see Rodger making
−
run, and already the floodgate was rising, ushering in the waters that
+
tracks back to the temple with the speed of a spooked hare. Slowly
−
would prepare the way for the summer harvest.
+
Paldadar looked over his shoulder to see the enormous bloated troll,
 +
dripping with slime and black pus.
 
   
 
   
−
"Truly, Fish-Dwarf, your mastery of the murky depths never ceases to
+
"You seek to pass into the land of suicide bearing the message of
−
amaze us.  You are a hero," the Mayor Kogan said, offering Fish-Dwarf
+
love,"