Continuing south after my encounter with the goblin I nearly walk directly into a gigantic cat-like predator. Strangely, the massive tiger-like beast does not act aggressively, and instead sits still, regarding me. It must be well-trained, possibly for war. I continue walking directly past it, despite the fact that it is likely owned by the enemy. I dare not risk tangling with such a beast, not this close to my objective.
Beyond the southeast corner of Gemclod's outer wall, I find a strange structure. It is vaguely reminiscent of a squat humanoid, though I cannot imagine that it was designed to appear as such. Going around behind the "feet," I find an entrance and staircase. I ascend.
A couple levels up I find a memorial! Perhaps this bizarre building is a tribute to some great engineer.
Reading the memorial slab reveals that it is actually a testament to Minty, the widely-heralded hero of Gemclod. Apparently, he actually fell in battle a few years back. This is disheartening news.
Climbing higher, I find balistas and an iron sarcophagus belonging to one "64bitrobot." It is good to see a body properly interned, albeit within an unprotected structure above ground.
At the top level I find another sarcophagus, but this one is empty. Nearby, I find the body of a dwarf- perhaps the hero meant to be interred here? (The corpse belongs to Repelex) In addition, there is a beautiful, shining chain in the corner.
Closer inspection reveals it to be an artifact piece crafted entirely of topazolite! Truly, the dwarves of Gemclod were gifted and blessed. I am tempted to take the chain with me, but it is firmly attached to the floor, and I dare not risk damaging it.
After some consideration, I decide not to pull the levers in the structure- though they likely do nothing associated with my goal, they may be a trap of some sort. As there seems to be little else of interest in this strange building, I leave and head toward the proper entrance. I must find a way inside.
On the way I pass by many more dwarven corpses. Truly, it tears at my heart to see so many of my kind left to decay above ground.
In addition to the usual debris and corpses, I come across the remains of what must have been incredible beasts. Bones as wide as a dwarf is tall, thick chitin, and all manner of strange teeth and protuberances. Some eldritch horrors must have stalked Gemclod, either at its height, or near its decline. Either way, it prides me that my fellow dwarves faced such horrors and destroyed them, even if it may have cost them their home.
At last, I come to the proper entrance. I find a solid bridge behind a small moat of still-molten lava. Perhaps some still live in Gemclod, protected as it is by its mighty walls. I will find a way in. I must.
