honor2 by
avenger01t, on Flickr
The proper image for the artifact.
Back to the story
Phase II of Operation Cleansing Sweep was triggered by a call for help.
HELP by
avenger01t, on Flickr
The fate of Ingod was not to be repeated. The lull between active military operations had allowed the Hall to build multiple traps in the caverns, indeed, despite the shortage in arms, weapons traps were being devoted to cavern protection. And so, help was able to arrive in time.
saved by
avenger01t, on Flickr
Unlike the desperate, prolonged battles of phase I, phase II were the results of long, extended patrol duties in the caverns by the Tattooed Posts. A new tatoo was comissioned for the completion of the winter and spring campaign, the forgotten beast shell covered in mud and overlaid by an axe, sword and a hammer.
The campaign did result in promotion of the axedwarf to Axelord and exposed the newer members, Forcelord to actual battle, resulting in an initiation ceremony that took place in the dark corners of the Fort. No runes were made of the event, but Tun and Forcelord were visibly muddied, naked , dirty and walking bowlegged afterwards. Other adminstrative matters soon followed and the military shrank, as unhappy dwarves were discharged from service for being "unfit in the eyes of Armok". The new Fortress Guard were eager to get their hands on weapons though, and the Elves provided.
This was fortunate, for the wood shortage was only mildly relieved by trade and the opening up of the caverns. Routine access to the cavern was still fraught with danger, rescued only by the slow movement of zeds. In one infamous scenario, the legendary mechanic, responsible for the creation of the Inky Braids narrowly escaped death from a skeletal cave croc. He credited his escape to "that hindu romantic flick from them humans" and a sharp nose. Future dwarves are advised to note that the monster is still there even if you can't see it hiding behind the pillar and running around the cavern pillar is not a valid form of hide and seek.
Still, the lands soon taught the dwarves that it too was dangerous. A goblin ambush was rapidly eliminated by cage traps, and the charing Esteemed Lanterns were spoiled of their fun. Spring had another surprise though.
dragon by
avenger01t, on Flickr
For the first time in 6 months, the dwarven defence burrow alarm was sounded.
dragon2 by
avenger01t, on Flickr
"I bring you WEALTH my sweet. Come forth, and receive your blessing!"
(I still very tempted to savescum. Especially since I can't seem to butcher that dargon meat... Oh god... Dragon MEAT!)