v50 Steam/Premium information for editors
  • v50 information can now be added to pages in the main namespace. v0.47 information can still be found in the DF2014 namespace. See here for more details on the new versioning policy.
  • Use this page to report any issues related to the migration.
This notice may be cached—the current version can be found here.

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

From Dwarf Fortress Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Renamed)
 
(48 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
  
 
[[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]]==
 +
===(29 May 2020)===
 +
 +
<pre>@?@=+++@@@+@@++@+&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&</pre>
 +
 +
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
 +
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
 +
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
 +
weren't as well versed in demonology as Kogan was.
 +
 +
“We have to get out of here,” said Kogan. “Now.”
 +
 +
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
 +
were growing closer. Together, Kogan and the scribe made their way out
 +
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
 +
who would survive.
 +
 +
 +
-Tarn and Zach
  
 
==[[User:McDoomhammer|McDoomhammer]]==
 
==[[User:McDoomhammer|McDoomhammer]]==
Line 56: 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 109: 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 168: 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:Midelne|Midelne]]==
 
  
−
===Fish Dwarf Begin: (6 August 2007)===
+
==[[User:Metorical|Metorical]]==
−
<pre>~~@~~X</pre>
+
===(November 2009)===
 +
<pre>UUUU/UU/U#+!++@@@@</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.
+
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
“We have you,” said Sharkra. “Throw down your weapons and die quickly.”
 +
 
 +
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.
  
−
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.
+
“What are you standing around for?” screeched Sharkra. “Kill them.”
  
−
===(8 November 2007)===
+
The vain and evil Sharkra pulled a mirror from her pack which she
−
<pre>~~~@%X</pre>
+
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.
 +
 
 +
“It is said,” intoned dwarf captain Duzelm, “that evil shall always
 +
turn upon itself.”
  
−
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.
+
“What is your plan master?” asked Bally, the dwarven squire.
  
−
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.
+
“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.”
  
−
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.
+
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.
  
−
===(10 December 2007)===
+
“Are you sure you can keep up with the Unholy Band?” asked Captain Duzelm.
−
<pre>+@@+@@@+~~~~~</pre>
+
 
−
   
+
Jorna laughed. “Just pray I don’t reach Gomra before Sharkra does,” she said.
−
"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
+
==[[User:Midelne|Midelne]]==
−
run, and already the floodgate was rising, ushering in the waters that
+
 
−
would prepare the way for the summer harvest.
+
===Fish Dwarf Begin: (6 August 2007)===
−
   
+
<pre>~~@~~X</pre>
−
"Truly, Fish-Dwarf, your mastery of the murky depths never ceases to
+
 
−
amaze us. You are a hero," the Mayor Kogan said, offering Fish-Dwarf
+
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.
−
a mug of the outpost's best.
+
 
 +
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
 +
pulled his way up on to the bank. He had finished his last cleaning
 +
run, and already the floodgate was rising, ushering in the waters that
 +
would prepare the way for the summer harvest.
 +
   
 +
"Truly, Fish-Dwarf, your mastery of the murky depths never ceases to
 +
amaze us. You are a hero," the Mayor Kogan said, offering Fish-Dwarf
 +
a mug of the outpost's best.
 
   
 
   
 
"I am glad I could help," Fish-Dwarf said, draining the mug in one
 
"I am glad I could help," Fish-Dwarf said, draining the mug in one
−
motion. "If only the river waters were whiskey, my life would be
+
motion. "If only the river waters were whiskey, my life would be
 
complete."
 
complete."
 
   
 
   
 
"I fear we would never see you again if that were the case!" the Mayor jested.
 
"I fear we would never see you again if that were the case!" the Mayor jested.
 
   
 
   
−
Fish-Dwarf pondered a moment. "Indeed. Yet the search for the
+
Fish-Dwarf pondered a moment. "Indeed. Yet the search for the
 
Whiskey River is a quest for the young, I'm afraid."
 
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
 
"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
+
crowd dispersed. As the others left, the mayor pulled Fish-Dwarf
 
aside.
 
aside.
 
   
 
   
−
"-- and yet, I fear you cannot stay long. I've received word from
+
"-- 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
+
King Dorazar. He has heard tell of your talents, and our liaison from
 
the Mountainhome has conveyed his request for your presence at the
 
the Mountainhome has conveyed his request for your presence at the
 
capital."
 
capital."
 
   
 
   
−
"My presence? Surely the engineers of the Mountainhome can manage the
+
"My presence? Surely the engineers of the Mountainhome can manage the
 
mighty floodgates and channels of Steelpoint without my help."
 
mighty floodgates and channels of Steelpoint without my help."
 
   
 
   
Line 247: Line 365:
 
Innumerable stalactites hung from the ceiling of the expansive gem-lit
 
Innumerable stalactites hung from the ceiling of the expansive gem-lit
 
cavern, many dipping down through the still surface of the black
 
cavern, many dipping down through the still surface of the black
−
waters. This was the Lake of Columns, the source of life for
+
waters. This was the Lake of Columns, the source of life for
 
Steelpoint, and now a place of dread.
 
Steelpoint, and now a place of dread.
 
   
 
   
−
Fish-Dwarf fit the blades into place on his fins. The citizens of
+
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
 
Steelpoint did not know what the creature was, but no fewer than seven
 
fisherdwarves had been lost at the shore. No matter, thought
 
fisherdwarves had been lost at the shore. No matter, thought
−
Fish-Dwarf. King Dorazar had charged him to slay the lurking threat,
+
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
+
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
+
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
 
beast, and then it was only the cave crocodiles and lizardmen that
−
occasionally harassed his own community. Steelpoint would not have
+
occasionally harassed his own community. Steelpoint would not have
−
sent for him over such a triviality. Hefting his mighty trident,
+
sent for him over such a triviality. Hefting his mighty trident,
 
Fish-Dwarf nodded to the gathered onlookers before leaping into the
 
Fish-Dwarf nodded to the gathered onlookers before leaping into the
 
lake.
 
lake.
Line 266: Line 384:
 
Behind any of these formations, the beast could lurk.
 
Behind any of these formations, the beast could lurk.
 
   
 
   
−
There! Nestled between three columns was a gigantic bloated form on
+
There! Nestled between three columns was a gigantic bloated form on
−
the lake bottom. Fish-Dwarf swam closer, almost drifting. What
+
the lake bottom. Fish-Dwarf swam closer, almost drifting. What
−
manner of beast was this? Great tentacles it had, and a toothy maw
+
manner of beast was this? Great tentacles it had, and a toothy maw
 
which flopped open as it slumbered, surrounded by half-consumed bodies
 
which flopped open as it slumbered, surrounded by half-consumed bodies
 
of the dead.
 
of the dead.
 
   
 
   
 
Fish-Dwarf was almost upon it now, his trident lifted above his head
 
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
+
as he sank slowly toward the sleeping fiend. As he prepared to
 
strike, the lurid thing's lone eye flashed open.
 
strike, the lurid thing's lone eye flashed open.
  
Line 282: Line 400:
 
   
 
   
 
Tentacles lashed out, looping around Fish-Dwarf's torso and pinning
 
Tentacles lashed out, looping around Fish-Dwarf's torso and pinning
−
his arms to his chest. A force stronger than any he had ever
+
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
 
experienced crushed his ribs and a stream of bubbles shot from his
−
mouth as the breath was squeezed from his body. Fish-Dwarf
+
mouth as the breath was squeezed from his body. Fish-Dwarf
 
desperately slashed at the tentacles with his fin blades and as his
 
desperately slashed at the tentacles with his fin blades and as his
 
vision faded to black he saw that the water was thick with curling
 
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
+
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
+
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
 
returned, but when he stabbed his trident downward, he felt it sink
−
deep into the creature. The monster's body convulsed and it raced
+
deep into the creature. The monster's body convulsed and it raced
 
into the open water, Fish-Dwarf still clinging to the imbedded weapon.
 
into the open water, Fish-Dwarf still clinging to the imbedded weapon.
 
   
 
   
Line 296: Line 414:
 
Fish-Dwarf thought, though the beast continued on into the depths at
 
Fish-Dwarf thought, though the beast continued on into the depths at
 
such speed that the diver could not maintain his bearings, and
 
such speed that the diver could not maintain his bearings, and
−
suddenly in the back of his mind arose a strange sensation... it was
+
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
+
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
 
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
 
as he became more desperate for breath, and yet slowly, his vision was
Line 303: Line 421:
 
   
 
   
 
The beast slowed, its energy spent, and it settled on to the lake
 
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;
+
bottom, unmoving. Fish-Dwarf jammed the trident into it a few times;
−
the thing was dead. Now, the surface! Fish-Dwarf pulled his weapon
+
the thing was dead. Now, the surface! Fish-Dwarf pulled his weapon
−
from the monster and swam upward, but he stopped immediately. As far
+
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
 
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
+
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
 
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
+
longer visible. Just the endless water and rock of the submerged
 
tomb of Fish-Dwarf, he thought, as he chose a direction and swam.
 
tomb of Fish-Dwarf, he thought, as he chose a direction and swam.
  
Line 374: Line 492:
 
<pre>,..,.++U+,.+,.+U~U||</pre>
 
<pre>,..,.++U+,.+,.+U~U||</pre>
  
−
Suffering blighted the land with cruel hunger. Wagons brought foul
+
Suffering blighted the land with cruel hunger. Wagons brought foul
−
fungus from the dwarven mountains. It was barely enough to sustain
+
fungus from the dwarven mountains. It was barely enough to sustain
−
those base enough to eat such filth. The rest died. Paldadar rested
+
those base enough to eat such filth. The rest died. Paldadar rested
−
against the hilt of his great sword. He looked over his shoulder at
+
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
+
the dark stone castle. Turning his back on mud brick huts, the knight
 
passed by the scraggly bearded guards and entered the keep.
 
passed by the scraggly bearded guards and entered the keep.
 
   
 
   
 
From a high window, bright, mocking sunlight shone across the dark
 
From a high window, bright, mocking sunlight shone across the dark
−
wooden throne and the troubled king that sat upon it. The old man
+
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
 
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
+
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.
 
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
+
"You were not summoned, Sir Paldadar," spit the herald. "Go ask the
 
peasants instead of begging the king for scraps from the royal table."
 
peasants instead of begging the king for scraps from the royal table."
 
   
 
   
 
"Silence, Rodger," said the king.
 
"Silence, Rodger," said the king.
 
   
 
   
−
The herald jumped away like a whipped dog. The king motioned the
+
The herald jumped away like a whipped dog. The king motioned the
 
knight to come forward.
 
knight to come forward.
 
   
 
   
−
"The gods have abandoned this place," said the king. "Only through
+
"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
+
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.
 
must smite the heathen Farthlings where they dwell across the river.
 
When their land is in ruin, the gods at last will favor us."
 
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
+
The knight ground his teeth. This was obviously High Priest Igland's
−
doing. But perhaps there was wisdom in punishing the arrogant
+
doing. But perhaps there was wisdom in punishing the arrogant
−
Farthlings for their many insults. Death by the sword was much
+
Farthlings for their many insults. Death by the sword was much
 
preferable to slow certain death by starvation.
 
preferable to slow certain death by starvation.
  
Line 409: Line 527:
  
 
As Paldadar walked away from the keep, peasants averted their hungry
 
As Paldadar walked away from the keep, peasants averted their hungry
−
faces. He was still a knight, even if he represented the most
+
faces. He was still a knight, even if he represented the most
−
wretched of kingdoms. A frail sissy approached from behind, leading
+
wretched of kingdoms. A frail sissy approached from behind, leading
−
two horses. Paldadar swung around, drawing his sword. There stood
+
two horses. Paldadar swung around, drawing his sword. There stood
 
Rodger, wearing the snottiest of faces, his nose in the air.
 
Rodger, wearing the snottiest of faces, his nose in the air.
 
   
 
   
 
"By the will of the king," he hissed, "I am to be your squire."
 
"By the will of the king," he hissed, "I am to be your squire."
 
   
 
   
−
Paldadar prayed to the gods for mercy. Would that a Farthling's bolt
+
Paldadar prayed to the gods for mercy. Would that a Farthling's bolt
−
find his heart soon that he be saved from further tortures. Together
+
find his heart soon that he be saved from further tortures. Together
 
the pair made their way to the Temple of Love, where High Priest
 
the pair made their way to the Temple of Love, where High Priest
 
Igland waited to bless their holy crusade.
 
Igland waited to bless their holy crusade.
Line 423: Line 541:
 
The temple was built on a tall hill, a ring of marble columns
 
The temple was built on a tall hill, a ring of marble columns
 
surrounding an enormous stone stele, pricking the sky with its
 
surrounding an enormous stone stele, pricking the sky with its
−
majesty. All around the temple, peasants scrambled to snatch at the
+
majesty. All around the temple, peasants scrambled to snatch at the
−
scraps donated by the monks that poured rotten food down the hill. As
+
scraps donated by the monks that poured rotten food down the hill. As
 
Paldadar entered the temple, he was surrounded by fat priests and
 
Paldadar entered the temple, he was surrounded by fat priests and
 
priestesses that danced around him in a grotesque, undulating display.  
 
priestesses that danced around him in a grotesque, undulating display.  
Line 439: Line 557:
 
   
 
   
 
"You must put an end to the Farthling menace," said the priest,
 
"You must put an end to the Farthling menace," said the priest,
−
growing angry. "If their God of Suicide spreads his faith to our
+
growing angry. "If their God of Suicide spreads his faith to our
−
kingdom, none of our desperate peasants will survive. You must strike
+
kingdom, none of our desperate peasants will survive. You must strike
 
the heart of their kingdom and burn their temple to the ground."
 
the heart of their kingdom and burn their temple to the ground."
 
   
 
   
Line 448: Line 566:
 
The kingdom of the Farthlings was separated from the kingdom of Love
 
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
 
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
+
crossed in one place. This was the Bridge of Destiny. As the riders
 
approached, Rodger twitched with fear and apprehension, for it was
 
approached, Rodger twitched with fear and apprehension, for it was
−
said the bridge was guarded by an evil water troll. At the bridge,
+
said the bridge was guarded by an evil water troll. At the bridge,
−
Paldadar held up his gauntleted hand. The horses stopped, and the
+
Paldadar held up his gauntleted hand. The horses stopped, and the
−
knight dismounted. Paldadar drew his sword and walked out onto the
+
knight dismounted. Paldadar drew his sword and walked out onto the
 
wooden planks.
 
wooden planks.
  
Line 458: Line 576:
 
<pre>%,..%,.|%.,.UH,%..%%UH,,%.~%,..(%).,.%|,..%</pre>
 
<pre>%,..%,.|%.,.UH,%..%%UH,,%.~%,..(%).,.%|,..%</pre>
 
   
 
   
−
Green flames shot up from beneath the bridge. Horrid laughter pealed
+
Green flames shot up from beneath the bridge. Horrid laughter pealed
−
across the blighted landscape. The knight turned to see Rodger making
+
across the blighted landscape. The knight turned to see Rodger making
−
tracks back to the temple with the speed of a spooked hare. Slowly
+
tracks back to the temple with the speed of a spooked hare. Slowly
 
Paldadar looked over his shoulder to see the enormous bloated troll,
 
Paldadar looked over his shoulder to see the enormous bloated troll,
 
dripping with slime and black pus.
 
dripping with slime and black pus.
 
   
 
   
 
"You seek to pass into the land of suicide bearing the message of
 
"You seek to pass into the land of suicide bearing the message of
−
love," said the troll. "What will you tell them, knight? Is slow
+
love," said the troll. "What will you tell them, knight? Is slow
 
certain death by starvation superior than the final empowering
 
certain death by starvation superior than the final empowering
 
choice?"
 
choice?"
 
   
 
   
−
"Where there is life, there is hope," said Paldadar. "Love will
+
"Where there is life, there is hope," said Paldadar. "Love will
 
overcome all obstacles!"
 
overcome all obstacles!"
 
   
 
   
Line 475: Line 593:
 
   
 
   
 
As Paldadar cut the monster down, his mind was wracked with doubt.
 
As Paldadar cut the monster down, his mind was wracked with doubt.
−
Was the nation of love superior? He hailed from a place where young
+
Was the nation of love superior? He hailed from a place where young
 
people sold themselves for scraps of bread and yet he sought to bring
 
people sold themselves for scraps of bread and yet he sought to bring
−
hope to a strange country. He found Rodger hiding in a nearby bush
+
hope to a strange country. He found Rodger hiding in a nearby bush
 
and hauled him, protesting, across the bridge.
 
and hauled him, protesting, across the bridge.
 
   
 
   
 
The land of the Farthlings was lush and green compared to the land of
 
The land of the Farthlings was lush and green compared to the land of
−
love. Cherry blossoms rained down on the two riders as they wound
+
love. Cherry blossoms rained down on the two riders as they wound
−
their way through the hills. Even in these pleasant surroundings, the
+
their way through the hills. Even in these pleasant surroundings, the
−
demented nature of the Farthlings soon became evident. Bodies dotted
+
demented nature of the Farthlings soon became evident. Bodies dotted
−
the road here and there, swords plunged into their own guts. Corpses
+
the road here and there, swords plunged into their own guts. Corpses
 
hung in the trees from hastily-tied nooses, over eager to take their
 
hung in the trees from hastily-tied nooses, over eager to take their
−
own lives. As the riders passed, skeletal bodies lifted themselves
+
own lives. As the riders passed, skeletal bodies lifted themselves
 
from the grass to watch them saunter on.
 
from the grass to watch them saunter on.
 
   
 
   
Line 492: Line 610:
 
reciting the Charm of Making.
 
reciting the Charm of Making.
 
   
 
   
−
At last they reached the capital of the Farthlings. The wind blew red
+
At last they reached the capital of the Farthlings. The wind blew red
−
rose petals through the cold, dead streets. Even the cheerful sun
+
rose petals through the cold, dead streets. Even the cheerful sun
−
seemed dim in the vast tomb of a city. Rodger stared straight ahead
+
seemed dim in the vast tomb of a city. Rodger stared straight ahead
 
as they made their way to the keep, careful not to look into the dark
 
as they made their way to the keep, careful not to look into the dark
 
doorway, behind which ominous rustlings could be heard.
 
doorway, behind which ominous rustlings could be heard.
Line 500: Line 618:
 
The flag of Farthlingland flew above the ramparts of the citadel. At
 
The flag of Farthlingland flew above the ramparts of the citadel. At
 
the base of the wall lay the piles of bones of those who had
 
the base of the wall lay the piles of bones of those who had
−
hopelessly thrown themselves over the side. A wide moat circled the
+
hopelessly thrown themselves over the side. A wide moat circled the
−
castle. As the two riders approached, a draw bridge was lowered over
+
castle. As the two riders approached, a draw bridge was lowered over
−
the water. Paldadar thought he could see a crowned figure on the wall
+
the water. Paldadar thought he could see a crowned figure on the wall
−
beckoning them inside. As they crossed the bridge, Rodger made the
+
beckoning them inside. As they crossed the bridge, Rodger made the
−
mistake of looking down into the water. The currents were filled with
+
mistake of looking down into the water. The currents were filled with
−
the souls of those who drowned themselves in desperate sorrow. Eyes
+
the souls of those who drowned themselves in desperate sorrow. Eyes
 
shut tight, Rodger hugged the neck of his horse, and followed Paldadar
 
shut tight, Rodger hugged the neck of his horse, and followed Paldadar
 
into the gate.
 
into the gate.
  
−
==[[User:Onodera|onodera]]==
+
==[[User:mr_seeker|mr_seeker]]==
−
===(01 November 2008)===
+
===(29 January 2016)===
−
<pre>"",",.@,.T,"""</pre>
+
<pre>|++U+++|?</pre>
  
−
"Don't let the sun set on you in the Dark Wood," said the dwarf
+
“They say that the dragon slayer roams the halls of the castle still,” said the old man.
−
crones.  "Ole Brick-a-Branch will get you."  Nonsense, thought young
+
 
−
Davik as he rode his mule along the twisting green deer path.  The
+
“You are a liar,” said Prince Mucer. “There are no such things as ghosts, and dragons aren't real.”
−
darkness came quickly as the sun slipped behind the trees.  As he set
+
 
−
about making a fire, Davik pondered the dark tales of Brick-a-branch
+
“Maybe today there are none still alive,” said the old man, “but before the Age of Heroes, the skies were filled with them and no one was safe.”
−
and his mischief.
 
  
−
Not even the elves dared enter the Wood at night.  Something older
+
“You bore me, ancient one,” said the prince. “Maybe my father should have you executed.”
−
than time haunted these cursed trees, but this valley was the quickest
 
−
way to Port City, saving at least a month of travel. As the night
 
−
grew darker and colder, Davik fumbled in his pack to retrieve the
 
−
charms and idols he had nearly refused as the journey began.
 
  
−
A great shape emerged from the darkness. It was a gnarled troll, as
+
Later that night, while Prince Mucer was pulling the wings off a fly, a knock came at his door. He bellowed at the intruder to leave. The knocking came again, louder this time. Mucer heaved a sigh and walked over to the door. It swung open, but no one was there. The prince had had just about enough of the old man's games. It was time he found a new way to entertain himself. The prince buckled on his sword belt and left the room.
−
old as the hills. It picked up Davik by the ankle.
 
  
−
"Not much meat here," it said.
+
===(28 February 2016)===
 +
<pre>|++UN+++\U</pre>
  
−
"Please, Ole Brick-a-Branch, don't eat me," said Davik.
+
The dwarf fortress was as quiet as a tomb that night. Prince Mucer couldn't help but fear, but his anger was greater. How dare that old man frighten me with ghost stories, thought the prince. He would give the old man something to be frightened about. Prince Mucer fingered the hilt of his blade. The old man didn't have too much longer to live anyway. Who would miss him?
  
−
Having said his name, the troll was force to lay the dwarf down.
+
“Say goodnight, old man!” shouted Mucer as he kicked in the laboratory door.
  
−
"I will not eat you," said the monster, "If you can answer me these
+
There was something standing next to the old man, facing away from the door. It was tall and translucent green. The apparition seemed to float in the air, trailing bloody stumps for legs. Mucer cried out with fright and dropped his sword. The creature turned to face him. Its face was almost entirely burned off.
−
riddles three."
 
  
−
==[[User:Peristarkawan|Peristarkawan]]==
+
“What's wrong, my prince?” asked the old man, having run to where Mucer had fainted.
−
===(16 May 2007)===
 
−
<pre>=@()++@</pre>
 
  
−
Doran stirred the bubbling pot of syrup.  It was ready!  "Pour, pour, pour!" the dwarf sang.  Into the molds the syrup flowed.  "Another batch," the dwarf said, satisfied.
+
===(29 March 2016)===
 +
<pre>+++U++U|</pre>
  
−
Just then, he noticed somebody standing in the doorway. "Ah, Glornol.  What brings you to the kitchens this early?  Come to try a sticky treat?  I have some Anvil Drops cooling now.  Just a moment."
+
“The dragon slayer is real!” exclaimed Prince Mucer.
  
−
Doran turned to the tray on the table when he was startled by Glornol's shouting. "What is the meaning of this?  Isn't there a war on?"
+
“Of course,” said the old man. “I told you as much.”
  
−
"Even soldiers need sticky treats, Glornol!"  Doran picked up two chocolate goblins and began to speak in a high-pitched throaty voice.
+
“I have seen him,” said Mucer. “He was standing right there.”
  
−
"Ooo, it's Glornol!" the first chocolate goblin said.
+
The old man looked to the empty space where the prince was pointing. This was serious. The king had to be informed immediately. Only then could the decision be made on how to proceed. Every time the dragon slayer had showed himself before there had been a calamity. The old man called for the guards to take Mucer back to his chambers.
  
−
"Glornol's scared of the mean, mean goblins!" the second chocolate goblin observed.
+
“The dragon slayer has revealed himself to young Mucer,” said old man Garva.
  
−
"Let's eat the dwarf!  Yummies for tummies!" the first chocolate goblin offered.
+
“That is unfortunate,” said the king. “He must be escorted out of the kingdom at once. Whether he is my son makes no difference. The soul of the kingdom is at stake.”
  
−
"The dwarf might eat me instead!  Oh no!" the second chocolate goblin replied. Doran held the goblin out to Glornol.
+
===(29 April 2016)===
 +
<pre>(.,MU.,M@.,)U++U</pre>
  
−
Glornol was not amused, but he snatched the candy from Doran's hand. "Hrmph," he grunted, and biting the goblin's head off, he walked out of the kitchen.
+
“Come hither my liege,” said old man Garva. “Gaze into the crystal ball.”
  
−
==[[User:Qwip|Qwip]]==
+
“Is the prince safe?” asked the king.
−
===(05 December 2006)===
 
  
−
<pre>...@T@..###S#</pre>
+
“Mucer will never truly be safe again,” said Garva, “so it is written.”
  
−
Taking a break from their duty, the two guards sat at a table with a scenic view of the chasm.
+
“There is more to life than the pages of a book,” objected the king.
−
They did not notice as they drained their mugs that they were being watched from the shadows
 
−
by clusters of pale eyes.  A table by the chasm?!
 
−
--[[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 05 December 2006
 
  
−
===(09 February 2007)===
+
Rather that respond to ignorance, Garva just gestured to the magic globe. It was connected to a mechanism at the top and bottom. Garva put his hand on the crystal and gave it a spin. Lightning arched over the surface of the globe revealing a woodland scene. There was Prince Mucer, riding his black mule. With him was Kogan the woods-dwarf, the only one willing to bear the prince's company in this time of exile.
  
−
<pre>.@......####
+
“How much longer until we reach Assura?” whined Mucer. “My backside is sore from riding.”
−
...T@@~S####
 
−
.......#####
 
−
</pre>
 
−
Dolan was chatting with Aliz about the health benefits of dwarven beer when Aliz disappeared. 
 
−
Dolan sprang to his feet and saw that Aliz was being dragged toward the chasm, a thick rope of
 
−
translucent silk wrapped around his left ankle.  At the lip of the chasm, a bloated form slowly
 
−
reeled the line in with her spindly legs. 
 
−
Dolan knew immediately -- it was the Wolf-Mother of Darkness. 
 
−
He grabbed his axe and ran toward Aliz, who was now only a few more pulls from the beast.
 
  
−
As he was hauling ore to the magma smelter, the peasant Kogarak saw the situation, screamed,
+
“Keep your eyes open, my prince,” said Kogan, “and remember, in the world under Apexus's vault of sky, there are consequences for your actions.”
−
dropping his load, and ran toward the barracks.  As he heard the sound of an axe ring against
 
−
stone behind him, he wondered if he would make it in time.
 
−
:&mdash; [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 08:40, 9 February 2007 (EST)
 
  
−
===(18 April 2007)===
+
===(30 may 2016)===
−
<pre>@@@...@.####
+
<pre>e,..~-@U~M.,.,</pre>
−
@..T..@S####
 
−
.......#####
 
−
</pre>
 
−
The axe had scored the stone floor where it had severed the silk line.  The Wolf-Mother chittered
 
−
angrily and pounced at Dolan, moving with surprising quickness.  Dolan was knocked to the ground,
 
−
the enormous body of the foul creature pressing him into the stone.  His axe clanged some distance
 
−
away.  The blunt knobs at the end of the Wolf-Mother's forelegs dug into Dolan's ribs as her
 
−
dripping mandibles drew closer to his face.  He grabbed her head with both hands, trying
 
−
desperately to keep her at bay.  A foul-smelling spittle dripped on to his cheek.
 
  
−
Aliz, still dazed from his initial fall, slowly made his way to his feet.  Seeing Dolan's desperate
+
“Help me!” cried a girl's voice.
−
struggle, he drew his sword and hacked at one of the Wolf-Mother's legs.  The bumpy skin was
 
−
incredibly tough, but the steel blade left the appendage hanging by tatters.  The Wolf-Mother
 
−
belched a grating rasp and rolled away from Aliz and faced the dwarves.  Dolan crawled toward his
 
−
axe, but the nauseating venom drenching his face and beard had left him almost powerless.  The
 
−
Wolf-Mother hesitated, her wound oozing white ichor as Aliz stood his ground.
 
  
−
There were several sharp cracking noises, and the Wolf-Mother crumpled, several iron bolts
+
Kogan went off to find her, but Mucer held him back.  “You are to protect me from all harm.  Forget her,” snapped the prince.
−
protruding from her many eyes.  In the distance stood Bomtek and the other marksdwarves,  
 
−
accompanied by Kogarak.  Aliz rushed to Dolan.  The dwarf was breathing heavily.
 
  
−
"My body feels like gravel.  I need a drink," Dolan said.
+
Horrible screams echoed throughout the woods.  This didn't help calm Mucer's already well-developed paranoia.  Kogan walked next to the prince's mule, battleaxe in hand.  Ahead, on the trail, stood an elf ranger.  She held an arrow against her bowstring, pointed at the ground.  Mucer was sweating and squirming.
  
−
"The Wolf-Mother is dead.  Brace up.  I'll bring you your mug."  Aliz fetched Dolan's mug from
+
“How dare you block the path of the crown prince!” shouted Mucer.
−
the table and brought it to the dwarf where he lay on the stone floor.  The mug was almost empty.
 
  
−
"The brood," Dolan whispered.  "The night brood will come."
+
An arrow shot out of the trees and pierced Kogan's neck.  The dwarf bodyguard pulled the prince off of his mule and covered him with his body.  Blood poured from Kogan's wound and onto Mucer's face.  The prince was disgusted and horrified now that it seemed that his only friend wouldn't live very much longer.
−
:&mdash; [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 12:28, 14 May 2007 (EDT)
 
  
−
==[[User:Rewolf31|Rewolf31]]==
+
==MustachioNut==
−
===(13 April 2007)===
+
===(21 January 2015)===
 +
<pre>~~~~,.%,.@@@""""""</pre>
  
−
<pre>.B@.~~~
+
The flight across the sea had been a wild and dangerous one. The
−
</pre>
+
giant nuthatch the dwarves were riding wasn't built for long distance
−
And so Alor, a wrestler of renown, found himself between a great boar and the wide river. For six days they struggled, and as the sun descended behind the hills on the evening of the seventh day, Alor finally collapsed in exhaustion. The boar spoke and said, "I too am tired. The sun has fallen. Let us rest."  And so Alor and the boar slept, and the sun arose on the morning of the eighth day.
+
missions. Just about the time the far coast had been sighted, the
 +
bird suffered a massive heart attack. Uren spoke encouraging words to
 +
the poor thing and it did its best to crash land on the beach. The
 +
dwarves took inventory. All three of them, Uren, Doraj, and Aliza,
 +
had survived with only minor injuries. They were now trapped on the
 +
foreign shore, for the bird had breathed its last.
  
−
===(21 July 2007)===
+
The seer had given them three days to find a piece of the cosmic egg.
−
<pre>,.,B@~,~,~</pre>
+
Most of the known egg fragments had already been used in magic spells
 +
of mass destruction. They had to find the last fragment before an evil
 +
wizard like Nadir or Darquan found it. The issue was the prophecy.
 +
The last piece of the egg from which the world was hatched was
 +
destined to be its undoing. Should one of the dark lords find it, it
 +
would be weaponized and used to end the world. This was all supposed
 +
to happen on the final day of the Plump Helmet Festival. That was in
 +
three days time.
  
−
"Whiskey?" Alor asked the boar, holding up his flask.  The wrestler had not spoken for a week.
+
"So here we are," said Doraj. "The Wild Lands. Did the seer give us
 +
anywhere to look in this wide country, or is it a mystery as usual?"
  
−
"Gladly," the boar said, taking the flask up in its mouth. "You block my path to the river, and now you offer me your flask.  Strange are the ways of your people."  
+
"You should have more respect for your elders," snapped Aliza. "If we
 +
don't find the egg fragment soon, it is bound to fall into the wrong
 +
hands."
  
−
"Your path?  I was seeking to cross the river and found myself menaced," Alor said.
+
"I do not fear scum such as Darquan," said Uren the barbarian dwarf.
 +
"I say we follow the villain to the prize and then cut him down and
 +
take it."
  
−
"The squirrels tell me I am a terror to behold when I am thirsty," the boar said as it drained the flask.  "Do I menace you now?"  The boar looked mild and plump.  Indeed, the gentle creature reminded Alor of his daughter.  
+
"Genius!" snorted Aliza sarcastically.
  
−
"No, I am not menaced. I am reminded of home," Alor said fondly. At that moment his stomach growled, for he had not eaten in some time.
+
So the adventure began. There were only three dwarves in a land
 +
filled with danger, racing toward cosmic mystery aimed at ending the
 +
world. There was no time to bury the body of the giant bird and news
 +
of their spectacular entrance was bound to spread fast. Beyond the
 +
beach was a vast jungle, thick and dark, and beyond were mighty snow
 +
covered peaks on the horizon. Wherever the fragment had ended up, it
 +
couldn't be somewhere easy to find or the wizards would already have
 +
found it. Doraj suggested they head for the tallest peak and they
 +
drew their swords and began hacking through the underbrush.
  
−
"Hopefully I do not remind you of your dinner table," the boar laughed, "though it remains to be seen who would have the final mastery in our contest."  Alor smiled broadly and the boar guided Alor to the ford, where they parted as friends.
+
==[[User:NutchapolSal|NutchapolSal]]==
 +
===(9 May 2018)===
 +
<pre>|++@++@Z+|</pre>
  
−
===(12 September 2007)===
+
The dwarves returned from the mission with half their numbers. The goblin resistance had proved stronger than anticipated and the dwarven leadership was lacking to say the least.  The entire operation had been concocted by the odious Prince Mucer, widely known to be a lascivious and incompetent ruler.  Upon their return Mucer was nowhere to be found.  He had been drinking the night before and no amount of prodding could roust him.
−
<pre>++@a@+
 
−
</pre>
 
−
"Daddy! Daddy!" the little girl cried happily as she ran toward the mighty dwarf where he stood under the archway.
 
  
−
"I missed you, sweet pod!" Alor crouched down and lifted the child up to his shoulder, where she sat, beaming.  "Have you been good while I was away?"
+
“My prince!” said lieutenant Orson.  “The scouts have returned.”
  
−
"I made a puzzle box.  See!"  The girl held out a soapstone box.  The master craftsdwarf always started the young ones with the material since it required little strength to carve, though it crumbled easily.  Even so, the box was quite exquisite.  
+
“Speak again and I'll have you executed,” murmured Mucer.
  
−
"That's beautiful.  Now let me see here..."  Alor pressed a button and the lid popped open.  There was nothing inside.  "Hey, where's my treasure?" he said in mock indignation.
+
“Sire,” said Orson, “we now know the nature of the opposing force.  You must give us direction!”
  
−
The girl took the box and made a series of complicated motions along the inside of the empty compartment.  A second lid opened, revealing a piece of dwarven sugar candy.  The child giggled and smiled broadly.
+
==[[User:Onebadterran|Onebadterran]]==
 +
===(14 July 2014)===
 +
<pre>U/U/U/U/+++++\U+\U\U\U\U\U\U\U\U\U</pre>
  
−
Alor scratched his head and laughed.  Coren was only six, but she was already beyond him.
+
"I hereby claim this feast hall in the name of the Tombs of Wailing!"
 +
shouted the stranger.
  
−
"Did you win, daddy?" Coren asked.
+
The Hearthpeople loyal to Lord Ambercan drew their weapons, but when
 +
they saw the multitude of warriors the stranger had brought with her,
 +
the loyal troops withdrew and fled from the hall. The invaders
 +
cheered while their victorious leader sat upon the throne. With no
 +
one to challenge them, the elite strike force, the Tombs of Wailing,
 +
lay claim to the fortress town of Otla.
  
−
"Ah, the tournament?  Yes, sweet pod, there hasn't been a dwarf born yet that can beat your father,"  Alor looked at the puzzle box. "At least not at wrestling. And you know what else?"
+
Away, slaying dragons, King Urlen heard news of the uprising days
 +
later. One of the defeated Hearthmen approached the king in his war
 +
tent. Upon hearing of the warrior's failure, Urlen drew his sword and
 +
struck off the coward's head. Urlen wasn't known to be reasonable
 +
when confronted with upsetting news.
  
−
"What else, daddy?  What else?"
+
"Ready my chariot," commanded Urlen. "We will see how tough the Tombs
 +
of Wailing really are!"
  
−
"I met a talking boar and we became friends."
+
==[[User:Onodera|onodera]]==
 +
===(01 November 2008)===
 +
<pre>"",",.@,.T,"""</pre>
  
−
"Again?" Coren complained. "I want to meet your animal friends soon."
+
"Don't let the sun set on you in the Dark Wood," said the dwarf
 +
crones. "Ole Brick-a-Branch will get you." Nonsense, thought young
 +
Davik as he rode his mule along the twisting green deer path. The
 +
darkness came quickly as the sun slipped behind the trees. As he set
 +
about making a fire, Davik pondered the dark tales of Brick-a-branch
 +
and his mischief.
  
−
"I'll invite them over for your party next month. Until then, you have to work hard. Do you have a lesson today?"
+
Not even the elves dared enter the Wood at night. Something older
 +
than time haunted these cursed trees, but this valley was the quickest
 +
way to Port City, saving at least a month of travel. As the night
 +
grew darker and colder, Davik fumbled in his pack to retrieve the
 +
charms and idols he had nearly refused as the journey began.
  
−
"Yes. Mr. Goldlocket says he'll let me try marble today."
+
A great shape emerged from the darkness. It was a gnarled troll, as
 +
old as the hills. It picked up Davik by the ankle.
  
−
"Marble, eh?  That's amazing.  You really are your mother's daughter.  I'll walk you to the shop." Together they strolled down the passageway.  Alor admired the carvings and architecture, occasionally pointing an engraving out and explaining its history, though his daughter had heard it all before.  It had been two months since he left for tournament, and the wrestler had missed his home very much.  
+
"Not much meat here," it said.
  
−
"The three of us should have a feast tonight.  What do you say?" Alor asked.  Coren did not respond.
+
"Please, Ole Brick-a-Branch, don't eat me," said Davik.
  
−
The dwarf looked down.  His daughter was not there.  She was not in the passageway.  There was no sign of her.  
+
Having said his name, the troll was force to lay the dwarf down.
  
−
"Goblins!" A scream echoed through the tunnels. "Goblins in the fortress!"
+
"I will not eat you," said the monster, "If you can answer me these
 +
riddles three."
  
 +
==[[User:Peristarkawan|Peristarkawan]]==
 +
===(16 May 2007)===
 +
<pre>=@()++@</pre>
  
−
===(18 September 2007)===
+
Doran stirred the bubbling pot of syrup. It was ready! "Pour, pour, pour!" the dwarf sang. Into the molds the syrup flowed. "Another batch," the dwarf said, satisfied.
−
<pre>,..|mBL@+++++++g+</pre>
 
  
−
"I'm sure she's in there," Alor said from his place behind the boulder where he looked down upon the rusted iron doors of Chatteltomb.
+
Just then, he noticed somebody standing in the doorway. "Ah, Glornol. What brings you to the kitchens this early? Come to try a sticky treat? I have some Anvil Drops cooling now. Just a moment."
  
−
"We must act now, while there's still time," the boar urged.  This was the same boar that Alor had befriended by the riverbank, and it now came to aid Alor in his time of need.
+
Doran turned to the tray on the table when he was startled by Glornol's shouting. "What is the meaning of this? Isn't there a war on?"
  
−
"The door is locked.  Even with our combined strength, I doubt we can force entry," the leopard observed.  This was the same leopard that Alor had befriended in the high grasses, and it also came to aid Alor in his time of need.  
+
"Even soldiers need sticky treats, Glornol!" Doran picked up two chocolate goblins and began to speak in a high-pitched throaty voice.
  
−
"Don't worry.  The guards were drunk in the ravine below," the marmot announced as it scampered up the slope with the key in its mouth.  This was the same marmot that Alor had befriended on the mountainside, and it came to aid Alor after promises of food.  
+
"Ooo, it's Glornol!" the first chocolate goblin said.
  
−
"I've only challenged the depths of this black pit once in my life.  It is a memory I have longed to forget, though it will serve me now," Alor said.  "It sickens me that my daughter is kept there.  The way to the dungeons will not be heavily guarded, as fear of this place keeps all but the foolish at bay.  That said, the tower above is garrisoned with unnumbered horrors.  If the alarm is raised, escape will be impossible."
+
"Glornol's scared of the mean, mean goblins!" the second chocolate goblin observed.
  
−
The group made their way down to the entrance.  With some effort, Alor forced the key into place.  The great doors swung open with a grating noise, exposing a palpable darkness that hung heavy in the stale air like a fog of soot.  The thick shadows were penetrated from beyond by sinister red lights which gave vague form to the smooth obsidian corridors.  
+
"Let's eat the dwarf! Yummies for tummies!" the first chocolate goblin offered.
  
−
Once all had passed into the tower, they closed the door behind them. "We can only hope it is not unusual for the doors to sound.  Do you see anything?" Alor whispered to the leopard.
+
"The dwarf might eat me instead! Oh no!" the second chocolate goblin replied. Doran held the goblin out to Glornol.
  
−
"Several doors down, a goblin is standing," the leopard spoke softly.  "It has turned to face us.  I don't think it can make us out yet, but its night eyes are almost as strong as my own.  It is coming this way."
+
Glornol was not amused, but he snatched the candy from Doran's hand. "Hrmph," he grunted, and biting the goblin's head off, he walked out of the kitchen.
  
−
Indeed, Alor could barely make out twin spots of crimson shining in the distance.  The dwarf felt the leopard slip from his side.  In a moment, the crimson spots disappeared from view.  No sound accompanied their departure.  Alor and the others padded quietly forward, approaching the stairway and the dungeons below.
+
==[[User:Qwip|Qwip]]==
 +
===(05 December 2006)===
  
−
==[[User:Senso|Senso]]==
+
<pre>...@T@..###S#</pre>
−
===(29 April 2007)===
 
−
<pre><+@?++&~~</pre>
 
  
−
The wayward manager Aliz stepped quietly down the last flight of stairs into the lowest depths of the abandoned halls.  The air of the room was stale and warm. The light of the dwarf's torch illuminated a stone pedestal, on which rested a gray book.
+
Taking a break from their duty, the two guards sat at a table with a scenic view of the chasm.
 +
They did not notice as they drained their mugs that they were being watched from the shadows
 +
by clusters of pale eyes. A table by the chasm?!
 +
--[[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 05 December 2006
  
−
"The Tome of Suffering," Aliz whispered.  In its blood-stained pages, the collected wisdom of countless outpost managers waited for his perusal.  Never again would his charges starve.  Never again would they complain for want of whiskey.  Never again would Aliz have to consult the half-baked scribblings of his uncle Toran.
+
===(09 February 2007)===
  
−
The ground shook and Aliz's ears were assailed by a deafening crash.  When the dust cleared, the entire chamber was illuminated by a sinister red glow. In place of the far wall was a yawning pit filled with bubbling magma and flames. From the inferno came a betusked fiend, ravening, its slavering maw belching foul vapors through which stared its cruel bulging eyes.  Its clawed hands kneaded the lardy folds of its corpulence as if it sought to make room for this latest morsel.
+
<pre>.@......####
 +
...T@@~S####
 +
.......#####
 +
</pre>
 +
Dolan was chatting with Aliz about the health benefits of dwarven beer when Aliz disappeared.
 +
Dolan sprang to his feet and saw that Aliz was being dragged toward the chasm, a thick rope of
 +
translucent silk wrapped around his left ankle. At the lip of the chasm, a bloated form slowly
 +
reeled the line in with her spindly legs.  
 +
Dolan knew immediately -- it was the Wolf-Mother of Darkness.
 +
He grabbed his axe and ran toward Aliz, who was now only a few more pulls from the beast.
  
−
Aliz was terrified.  The dwarf clutched the Tome to his chest. The horrific beast crouched by the magma pool, muttering in a grating whisper:
+
As he was hauling ore to the magma smelter, the peasant Kogarak saw the situation, screamed,
 +
dropping his load, and ran toward the barracks. As he heard the sound of an axe ring against
 +
stone behind him, he wondered if he would make it in time.
 +
:&mdash; [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 08:40, 9 February 2007 (EST)
  
−
"It will be eaten. It will be eaten, the dwarf. Eaten. Eaten alive."
+
===(18 April 2007)===
 +
<pre>@@@...@.####
 +
@..T..@S####
 +
.......#####
 +
</pre>
 +
The axe had scored the stone floor where it had severed the silk line. The Wolf-Mother chittered
 +
angrily and pounced at Dolan, moving with surprising quickness. Dolan was knocked to the ground,
 +
the enormous body of the foul creature pressing him into the stone. His axe clanged some distance
 +
away. The blunt knobs at the end of the Wolf-Mother's forelegs dug into Dolan's ribs as her
 +
dripping mandibles drew closer to his face. He grabbed her head with both hands, trying
 +
desperately to keep her at bay. A foul-smelling spittle dripped on to his cheek.
  
 +
Aliz, still dazed from his initial fall, slowly made his way to his feet. Seeing Dolan's desperate
 +
struggle, he drew his sword and hacked at one of the Wolf-Mother's legs. The bumpy skin was
 +
incredibly tough, but the steel blade left the appendage hanging by tatters. The Wolf-Mother
 +
belched a grating rasp and rolled away from Aliz and faced the dwarves. Dolan crawled toward his
 +
axe, but the nauseating venom drenching his face and beard had left him almost powerless. The
 +
Wolf-Mother hesitated, her wound oozing white ichor as Aliz stood his ground.
  
−
==[[User:Shades|Shades]]==
+
There were several sharp cracking noises, and the Wolf-Mother crumpled, several iron bolts
−
===Danrik Begin: (29 October 2007)===
+
protruding from her many eyes. In the distance stood Bomtek and the other marksdwarves,
 +
accompanied by Kogarak. Aliz rushed to Dolan. The dwarf was breathing heavily.
 +
 
 +
"My body feels like gravel. I need a drink," Dolan said.
 +
 
 +
"The Wolf-Mother is dead. Brace up. I'll bring you your mug." Aliz fetched Dolan's mug from
 +
the table and brought it to the dwarf where he lay on the stone floor. The mug was almost empty.
  
−
  @@+,@\D/.+@
+
"The brood," Dolan whispered. "The night brood will come."
 +
:&mdash; [[User:Qwip|Qwip]] 12:28, 14 May 2007 (EDT)
  
−
Fire seared the sky as the dragon circled, driven by madness and the
+
==[[User:Rav|Rav]]==
−
promise of gold held deep within the dwarven tunnels. Standing on the
+
===(12 April 2011)===
−
battlements of the stone façade built over the entrance to the
+
  ,.gB,.,.P@.,
−
fortress, Danrik the marksdwarf took aim at the evil target, his heart
+
 
−
thumping slow and steady. He waited two more beats and pulled the
+
A hundred thousand eyes looked down onto the contest. The whole of
−
trigger. An instant later a dozen marksdwarves let fly and a hail
+
the world’s armies in one place, at one time, to see who would be
−
bolts pierced the smoky air.
+
victorious. Two riders, a dwarf and a goblin, would joust to end the
−
 
+
war, an end to an eternity of bloodshed and suffering. The entire
−
Most of the bolts bounced harmlessly away, but Danrik's well-aimed
+
planet was watching.
−
missile found the monsters skull, shattering the brain.  The dwarves
 
−
cheered as the beast fell from the sky. The smile fell from Danrik's
 
−
face as the great corpse fell closer -- it was coming right at them!
 
−
Dwarves climbed over each other, making for the stairs. Other risked
 
−
jumping from the wall, breaking their arms and legs as they landed.
 
−
Danrik stood fast.