The Continuing Adventure of Zasit Hardywall
As I continue north through the outer complex, I observe destruction similar to what I saw surrounding the outer walls. Eventually I sight another giant war animal resting in the northeast corner of the citadel and turn around. A single barrel catches my eye for some reason, and I cautiously decide to investigate.
Bizarrely, the barrel is full of usable animal tallow. It smells strong of dog. Several other barrels nearby are similarly full of processed fats. The dwarves of Gemclod certainly did not want for soap-making supplies.
I head over to two nearby structures. Stairs allow roof access. The roofs are covered in corpses. I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised at this point, but seeing dwarven bodies both elevated and exposed is truly traumatizing. Heading into the structures themselves, I find small rooms, perhaps cells, furnished, but without proper floors. A ditch in the corner provides access to the brook, which looks surprisingly deep from this angle.
The furnishings are richly-made- surely, these are not cells. Perhaps housing for diplomats and other important visitors? Regardless, I am excited to see the markings of Elder Leperfish upon the masterpiece stonework.
Further exploration of the citadel requires that I swim through the many artificial pools. The sweltering heat provides further motivation, and soon I am paddling through Gemclod's waterworks. The water is filthy, but thankfully absent of any corpses. I find nothing of interest in the western pond.
Heading east, I find an entrance to the rear portion of the inner enclave. I walk amongst the pumps and water wheels, but cannot find back doors into the fortress proper.
I swim through another artificial pond, this time to the east of the proper entrance. Watery tunnels branch off in all directions. I explore what I can. There are many cavern-based trees poking from the depths, still apparently alive despite the crush of water.
I head to the central pool and dive down. I swim deep. It is difficult to hold my breath, and even more difficult to see, thanks to the massive, all-engulfing structure above me. I suffer for lack of air.
Despite the hardship, I carefully observe what I may at the bottom of this central pond. There are no immediate entrances that I can discern.
However, I do notice a memorial structure at the bottom of the pond. Perhaps Thadius enjoyed the water and was thusly honored. More likely he drowned.
I press my face against the thick, clear glass wall between me and what I feel must be the storied Great Hall. Notches indicate that this wall might be opened by some means, but it is beyond me. Due to the lack of light and murky water, I can scarcely see through.
I make my way back outside of the central pool complex, feeling more secure in my ability to swim. Perhaps now is the time to attempt a dive through one of the longer waterways.
The brook. The deceptively deep brook. The dwarves of Gemclod have pierced its soily, reedy surface in many locations and revealed passable water beneath. I head to the northwest corner of the outer complex once more. Here, there is a nice, sloped entrance that allows access.
With some trepidation, I enter the water at this point. The current flows briskly by. I am determined to swim north, against the current, and search once more for another entrance. During my trip, I will not be able to rise for air, nor will I be able to see through the reads and swirling current.
I begin swimming north through the waters under the brook. The going is slow. I grope my way along, pulling myself through thick tangles of plant and other matter. I press my hand against the close wall, feeling for an exit of some sort. I continue through the darkness for some distance.
Still holding my breath, I come to realize that I have traveled such a distance that my breath can not possibly be sufficient to bring me back to the entrance alive. If I do not find some air hole or tunnel passage, I am done for.
Finally, finally, I feel a gap in the side of the brook. I hastily cram myself through, now desperate for air. I feel a door ahead of me.
The door is locked, but my senses indicate that it seems clear of water on the other side. I weigh my options. Attempt to pick the dwarven lock, or bash through the door? Given that I am moments away from suffocation, I choose the latter.
The door gives way to my assault completely and water pours into the space beyond, carrying me along. For just a moment, I gasp a breath of clean, cavern air, and then I am once again engulfed in water. Fortunately, I find another door just beyond, and this one is passable, though difficult to force open due to the pressure. I burst through into a tiny, sandy room, along with a great quantity of water. There is a lever, in the center, and some plump helmets and fungal trees growing in the corners. There is also an opening into what appears to be a deep, dark pool of water. I rest a moment, then pull the lever and jump into the pool in quick succession, intent on gaining passage to the halls below.
I find myself in a large, muddied room, completely flooded with water. The floor appears checkered. I swim along the wall and find a door. I open it, knowing full well I will likely be flung forward by the water pressure.
Indeed, I burst from that chamber atop a stream of water and am thrown roughly to the ground. But what's this? Rather than another tiny room, I seem to be in a massive, open cavern. No, not a cavern- a hall!
I look to my left and see a beautiful brass statue of a dwarf. The brass dwarf holds a book and quill, and looks very cheerful and industrious. According to the description, it depicts Founder Markus! I have made it! Now, to find what beings or treasures this place still holds!
