Spearcavern 3: Feasts Near Beasts

[@BradPrichard]

You did not make me feel more comfortable about Dwarven Milk.

[@kruggsmash]

They purr!

[@lexibyday9504]

@@kruggsmash I'd be more likely to try to keep a giant cave magot as a pet than drink their "milk"

[@kruggsmash]

@@lexibyday9504 you wouldn't be saying that after trying a tepid mouthful of those silky maggot sqeezings!

[@jacobfreeman5444]

Cave maggot curds. Yummy!

[@TheDongLord]

It’s like a protein shake for Dwarves!

[@ragnose1]

once again i can say that all the craftsdwarveship in this video is of the finest quality

[@kruggsmash]

I do try my best!

[@Kiffer1992]

@@kruggsmash I don't know of a single other craftsdwarf on youtube that does better. You're a legend. I hope you know that.

[@WollterXI]

I'm think like that and I wish you the best helth for the rest of this year! "\|T)

[@SamuelCatsy]

On this wall is an engraving of Dwarves. The Dwarves are beatboxing.

[@kruggsmash]

it is terrifying

[@TheDewbolt]

The ballista was incredibly tense. Loved the episode

[@kruggsmash]

Was fun to put together. Just really wish it panned out better for the dwarves!

[@chrisfinley]

@@kruggsmash Now the demon is really scary.

[@jamescanjuggle]

imagine gutter next episode. Running to the dwarves about his near encounter speaking about how the arrows just went through the demon like it was nothing, then the demon almosy laughing at the amusement of its future preys suffering only to get locked out of a meal by a steel door

[@BigBossTussBall]

That thing is a freaking Xenomorph. It's a good thing she got away when she released it because it's like we are finding out how deadly and seemingly invincible this thing is.

[@littledragon4792]

O_O I were holding my breath when "It" came running down the corridor, seemingly dodging all the shots. Oh my brain, that was tense.

[@Swimavidly]

"Working your beard to the chin" is a great idiom.

[@kruggsmash]

Dwarves say the craziest things

[@pietrocelano23]

I believe that the demon (who was already damaged) was maybe "unable to stand", which makes him prone, which makes ballista arrows unable to hit him. I learned it the hard way too... I believe ballista arrows are more effective as crowd control against hordes of goblins or elves who can get ohko'd by them. I never thought of putting ballistas one behind the other tho, great idea. When I first started playing with ballistas, I thought the arrows dropped on the ground after travelling a long distance, so i dug out a huge room as big as my map and 20 tiles wide 🙄

[@kruggsmash]

...ahhh dammit. that makes sense (in a way). Just glad theres a reason for those arrows missing like that. what a pain in the butt. Thanks for the info

[@toakrikitt]

If this is the case, then floor traps might be impossible for it to dodge

[@Geobeetle]

@@toakrikitt Forgotten beasts don’t trigger floor traps

[@underdoug]

@@Geobeetle they do if they lose consciousness or get webbed. I don't know about if they're prone or not. Guess I could check the wiki.

[@djchappell1726]

I have always fondly imagined two humans entering a dwarven for and having a rather luxurious meal. Facinated, one of them speaks up to ask a dwarf what the creme was made of. The other smirks, barely holding in a giggle at the horror about to grace the mind of the less traveled man. The dwarf replies much as our bearded lord Smash did. The unexperienced man's blood flushes from his face in horror. The more experienced taking another, loud slurp, humming his approval through up turned lips. He was blessed by a god of health and travel. He is destined to always be able to appreciate the delicacies of life and culture around him. The purring maggot to him is a wonderous creature, worthy of praise.

[@kruggsmash]

Truly a delicacy of the gods themselves. Worthy of only the worthy.

[@GillfigGarstang]

Love the little detail that Cutter styled the ballista after his girlfriend; I can picture Cutter and Pop having a good natured running joke about her ‘sharp tongue’ and both thinking it is hilarious to have her likeness defending the fortress by firing ‘barbs’ from it’s mouth.

[@kruggsmash]

HA yes exactly. Glad you caught that! Kinda hard to see but the ballista arrows coming out from the gap in her teeth.

[@corneliusdwyer1824]

Krugg, your editing on the section with the ballista was NERVE WRACKING! Your videos truly are of the highest quality.

[@kruggsmash]

Glad you thought so! It was pretty fun to set it all up :)

[@Lampoluke]

-Dwarven milk! -Dwarven milk? What do you mean? -No it's not actual breastmilk -Thank gods -it's maggot slime -that's actually worse

[@valvadis2360]

It was not a waste of time at all! Even if it didn't works, seeing what happened was very exciting!

[@kruggsmash]

and I gueeessss we learned something from the process too. You know, I had a few comments since the episode came out talking about how the arrow may have missed due to the monster being prone on the ground (from being injured by the serpent people last episode). I'm willing to bet thats exactly what happened here.

[@suzienewby7055]

This. 1000% this. Cool to see the buildup and the suspense even if it didn’t work out.

[@wcs9582]

​@@kruggsmash I haven't played the 50+ version yet because I'm too used to the 47.05 control scheme so I don't know how they indicate a creature is 'prone,' but I do know that ballista bolts pass over prone targets. Also, don't be disappointed with the results, you made it REALLY tense and I also learned you can line up ballista bolts like that! It was a cool episode and I think the horse demon still being alive is cool. Think about it like this; you'll be even more satisfied when you *finally* kill the damn thing!

[@johnnothe]

​@@kruggsmash😊)

[@LeDoude]

I think the demon has actually dodged the arrow. I managed to hit them with ballistas while they were dodging pikes coming up and down in the corridor. Had the same problems with some agile forgotten beasts. A massive pain to set up a repeater, a corridor full of spike traps AND masterwork ballistas.

[@kruggsmash]

I would like to think thats what was happening, just think there should have been a combat log if thats really what happened though. I dunno if we'll try this again, unfortunately.

[@DHGameStudios]

@@kruggsmash It couldn't be something like the dwarf aiming for the wall, not the creature, which caused it?

[@kruggsmash]

@@DHGameStudios you know, i've heard a couple times in the comments that it was most likely due to the monster laying prone on the ground (due to the spinal injury it took last episode from the serpent people). That does make sense in a way. betting thats what caused it.

[@DHGameStudios]

@@kruggsmash Damn, that's still ridiculous if that would grant it total immunity.

[@Pilvenuga]

@@DHGameStudios when creatures fall prone due being unable to stand, they are effectively immune to ballista bolts - doesnt matter how big they are

[@SlitheryDeeChannel]

You know you're in Spear Cavern when your milking a giant, purring maggot for your cereal! 😂

[@kruggsmash]

Nothin' but the best here in Spearcavern.

[@Pyxis10]

Why does it purr though?

[@thedarkone246]

The missed bolts do heighten the drama though, I actually kinda like that. Adds some mystery, and intrigue to the creature. I can see ya adding some lore about how it either dodged them, phased past them, or something like that.

[@kruggsmash]

Well, it turns out that the demon probably didn't get hit b/c it was laying prone on the ground due to the spinal injury it took last episode. Just glad theres an explanation to this whole thing lol

[@thedarkone246]

@@kruggsmash lol thats almost a bit of a let down. Very funny though.

[@BariiAlyn]

The little depth of field when viewing the beast out on the land was *chef's kiss* brilliant.

[@kruggsmash]

Its fun doing that. I love learning little tricks as I go. funny how I can still be learning new things even after this long.

[@palemoogle3049]

Imagine if only silver or salt ballista bolts worked on demon lol

[@kruggsmash]

That'd be sick as hell

[@the_Red_Star]

i'm probably not the first to have this idea, but imagine a whole procedural weakness system. "its scales are close set, and it has a mortal fear of walnut! beware its stinging tail!"

[@catfan913]

​@@the_Red_Star we have that. werebeasts have a weakness to a random metal. it ends up being not very interesting because you can't know except in adventure mode, so there's no way to plan for it. in the same way, it might be kind of nice if forgotten beasts had random weaknesses (to solve the indestructible metal blob problem) but there's no way you would know it

[@the_Red_Star]

@@catfan913 well I'll be damned, I legit pulled up the wiki before commenting that and I still managed to miss it somehow.

[@williamgibson6019]

The ballista being able to fail is the difference in scripting a story and telling a story around emergent gameplay. As cool as it would have been to work, this is just as neat and part of what makes these so interesting! I am sorry it was frustrating for you but don't feel like you failed us, being kept on our toes is half the fun. Excellent episode and story telling, always excited when these release ❤

[@kruggsmash]

Hey you know, when life gives you maggots, turn em' into cheese

[@litis5151]

don't remind us of the maggots @@kruggsmash 🤮

[@DraftMatters]

I just wanted to say I adore Rofa's illustration. Absolutely majestic beast.

[@ukaszp.3667]

The new intro slaps!

[@kruggsmash]

It's pretty killer. Really tried to do justice to the song there.

[@squidamodd1048]

You managed to transform a frustrating game behavior into a breathtaking moment of dramatic tension, thanks!

[@Ironfist2211]

I usually skip intro animations, but this one is so lively and entertaining, I will watch it every time :D

[@kruggsmash]

Well thats really good to hear! It was a big pain in the butt to put together, but 'm glad it paid off

[@ItsHyomoto]

I do love the behind the scenes rant not because I want Krugg to be angry or whatever, but just because it's a very human experience, and for all their fun games can often be frustrating. I always look for the details that give away what Krugg hides from us, items suddenly become forbidden, etc... So yeah, just hearing him going "sometimes it's annoying." feels earned.

[@treenara9492]

this fortress is rapidly heading towards turning into a single polycule and I'm all for it

[@kruggsmash]

It'll be interesting, thats for sure!

[@topkek996]

The tantrum spiral will be explosively !FUN!

[@SusCalvin]

I know dorfs form relations somewhat randomly as they interact with one another, but not that dorfs in a small fort like this with only the same six others to interact with year after year would start forming love triangles.

[@whizthesugoi]

I do wonder if the ways a relationship goes in DF may be influenced by the culture Not sure if they're like that in-game, but the dwarves of this culture look a lot like arabics for me, so they leaning more towards a harem would be perfectly fit

[@SusCalvin]

@@whizthesugoi From what I understand, dwarf couples are monogamous when they marry. Dwarfs in world gen can have a ludicrous amount of children over their long lives.

[@WrathOfWater5931]

Krugg, I would like to say you inspired me a few years ago to get Dwarf Fortress, and I still haven't stopped playing! Ironically enough, it was Skull Horror that really got me into DF, as I'm a huge fan of anything undead - and dorfs, of course. As a side note, I found an interesting way to defend a fortress at the sea side - making your fortress a tube shape with a main "funnel" that acts like a vertical hall way. Putting a flood gate at the bottom connected to the ocean floor and a drain with a floodgate or door, you can call everyone into a safe place, lock the door, and drench your enemies as they come into the fortress with a two lever system - then drain it and collect the armor/weapons to trade later.

[@kruggsmash]

You know, I did do something like that back durin gthe steelclutches series back in the day. I made a huge reservoir fed by a brook. Used that water to wash away intruders. I miss playing with water like that.

[@WrathOfWater5931]

@@kruggsmash I totally forgot about steelclutches! Good times! As for the demon in the cavern of Spear Cavern, does it happen to be made of steam or anything like that? That might have been why ballista bolt didn't have any affect on him.

[@calebhammett942]

@@kruggsmash maybe we could see some some Dutch dwarves in the distant future make some incredible water works!

[@alexistoran2181]

@@kruggsmash Good ol' Gomathzon!

[@victor_silva6142]

Yes! Another Kruggsmash piece of art! Praise be Armok! You know, this dwarf culture have this Bharata like feel. To the point I've got confused when Krugg spoke about cooking meat... And what with all the dwarven ladies getting "the crabies". Krugg your bearded bastar. I am laughing here.😂

[@kruggsmash]

The crab has that mysterious crabiness to him I guess. Must be that "dour as a rule" bit...I guess. More of a Boggy dwarf, myself

[@FortessOfMind]

You haven't let us down at all man, please keep making these videos, I feel we should email the devs to fix what you want. I love these videos they are critically underrated and you deserve A LOT more subscribers

[@kruggsmash]

oh god please don't email the devs about this lol. There are soooooooo many things to get to in the game. I really do feel like even when it's done DF is going to be a big jangling frankenstein of bugs and general weirdness no matter what

[@InternetHydra]

Dwarf Fortress is more of a typical early access limbo/frankenstein title then people like to admit. Especially since it has nearly no competition. Just a hodgepodge of features thrown in and half-developed and clashing or sabotaging other features, and add a dash of Fortnite with adventure mode being nearly abandoned.

[@korbetthein3072]

​@@InternetHydra Typical knife ear speak.

[@atnasingetnamn2887]

God, this intro is to die for. The skill and patience + music just gets me instantlyt into a good mood.

[@kruggsmash]

Glad you like it! Going to try to keep doing these for future series :)

[@atnasingetnamn2887]

@@kruggsmash Don't burn yourself out, buddy! c: Love the content you create, always.

[@whizthesugoi]

The popcorn matching up with the snare is just so cool

[@MarriedVirus]

honestly I was amazed by that intro video! It really evoked the dwarf fortress classical intro, pixel movie, but soo atmospheric. ⚙Masterful⚙@@kruggsmash

[@FerreusDeus]

Don't think you let anybody down with the ballista stuff, the drama of discovering this wouldn't work was actually fantastic... the "we must find another way" was a moment of genuine discovery that had dreadful impact, which is part of the magic of your work. Also, remember, this is Fun.

[@AdorableHamster32]

Krugg!! Don't worry about the ballista thing! It made for some *great* storytelling! The demon being immune is a great plot twist i don't think anybody saw coming. Also the suspense of the scene was incredible! I also life the slice of life stuff you did in the episode. I'm *insanely* invested in episodes to come

[@kruggsmash]

You know, I got a lot of comments about why this all happened and I don't think it was b/c the demon was immune. I think it's b/c the demon was laying prone the whole time. Remember how it got injured last episode? I'm willing to bet thats what it was. Glad you're liking it all so far! Thanks for watching :)

[@ChanceTheCheetah]

The animated intro is still such a treat especially with how it syncs with the music

[@kruggsmash]

It's very fun to get an animation to move to music. One of my favorite things i think. Takes a lot of time, but it's frequently worth it!

[@SirWarkwark]

That balista scene was acctualy intence! You really made it feel like the three bolts were "missing" and the saftey of the fortress was at risk! And the drawings are so neat and nicly colloured, making me smile and feel hype over a well craftet steel bolt! XD

[@kruggsmash]

Really had to do my best to turn it all around! You know what they say- when life gives you maggots, gotta turn em' into cheese!

[@samshalliker575]

Gods, The ambiance and sound design on these videos is alwasy just fantastic

[@kruggsmash]

I try my best! The music in this series is a little more chill than in previous series so it lets the ambient sounds kinda come through a bit more. it's an interesting learning process. glad you like it!

[@Rinzlov]

The Clear Devil dodging the balista bolts was great. I expected them either to kill him straight away, wound him badly or just a bit, but not him just dodding them completely. But I'd imagine this insane horse-human-demon to be fast and agile. I think this played out great from storytelling perspective, also the Clear Devil is one of my favourite beasts I've seen in your channel (impressive forgotten beasts and your way of showing them / making them audible being one of my favourite things on this channel, the other one is seeing the true might of the dwarfs!).

[@fadingfast]

I've never commented on any of your videos but I've been watching for years. I would just like to say your content is some of my favourite media period, it always brightens my day to see a new video from you. Keep it up.

[@kruggsmash]

I appreciate you commenting and for watching this whole time. It does mean a lot and it makes me happy to give you something to look forward to, F.F.

[@moonsprig]

Your character design, sound design, and storytelling are phenomenal as ever! I love when you occasionally let scenes unfold without any commentary; it really ups the tension of perilous moments. Shoutout to Mrs K’s lovely color-work as well.

[@kruggsmash]

I haven't done the no commentary bits all that much in my videos but have been gettign nothing but praise for them. It's nice to let those moments speak for themselves a bit more and not that the steam version is here, it's actually possible to do. I tried rewatching some of my older videos where I did this same thing, but it gets hard to tell whats going on for me, let alone the casual viewer LET ALONE the non df player!

[@christaylor1357]

Excited Lets GOOOOO, animated intro getting awesome!!!

[@kruggsmash]

Hell yeah! Glad you like it!

[@DauchBot]

LOVE this smaller fort! Love getting to know all these dwarves!

[@kruggsmash]

It's been pretty fun! Starting to get concerned about what will happen if one of these bearded bastards bites it though...

[@TheAustralianGuy2]

The anminations and the production quality in this series has been awesome! Ive been watching for a couple years and im really enjoying these new episodes.

[@kruggsmash]

I try my best! I figure a good ol' intro animation would help perk this one up a little and i'm glad to see I was right! I'll have to try to get back to doign these I guess, ha! Thanks for watching!

[@barabg]

Gosh darn it this was an excellent episode, it had an intro, a love triangle, drama, suspense and just the right amount of salt for seasoning :) Awesome job, looking forward to the next one :)

[@kruggsmash]

Glad you're liking it you bearded bastard! I'm getting a little dangerously invested too. Not gonna be great if someone goes down..

[@brianmacclellan6510]

As an Aspiring Pixel Artist, I have to say your opening was amazing 😄

[@AStandsForFrench]

Hope you feel better, krugg. and don't worry too much about disappointing us, your storytelling is what most people come here for, I think, and you can spin a tale for why the ballista didn't work just fine.

[@Matt-sl9or]

I love how all of the dwarf merchants don’t show their eyes most of the time. It’s like a recurring theme for them. 😊

[@kruggsmash]

Most of the time! I think I do is subconsciously just b/c they aren't main characters in this story. you get so much more life if you see the eyes. Is that weird? it sounds weird.

[@Matt-sl9or]

@@kruggsmash I like it, it gives them their own unique character and you’re consistent with it in like all of your videos, unless I’m mistaken. “A” for consistency lol!

[@Kvalln]

Gutter climbing the tree followed by the donkey climbing into the tree was the most delightful drawing I think I've ever seen

[@robjewell1223]

We're back! Love it. Even when the demon can entirely evade the ballista for no reason.

[@kruggsmash]

You know it?! Actually, since the episode came out I got a lot of comments about how the arrow PROBABLY missed due to the demon being on the ground prone. That spinal injury it took last episode helped it out from the looks of it! Super lame, eh? Just glad theres a reason though.

[@ShayTheRanger]

Hello, Krugg! Shay/Simic with the fan art here. I'm glad you're feeling better because this upload made my friggin day! These seven dwarves have captured my heart like no other playthrough of yours. Anyway, every playthrough I use ballistas, so the moment I saw the "badly injured" icon above its head, I knew it wouldn't hit. Tell Gutter he should lead his shots with it crawling towards him!

[@cannot-handle-handles]

Awesome fan art!

[@ShayTheRanger]

@@cannot-handle-handles Thank you!

[@thesalamanders8740]

hey mate got an instragam or a deviant art or something we can follow? i really enjoy how clean your artstyle is

[@vincer7824]

Wonderful artwork, thanks for sharing.

[@thecreepers5399]

great sound design and camera work on the horse demon!

[@shadejodoin6683]

Your efforts in atmosphere and sound design really take these to the next level. Incredible stuff Krugg

[@kruggsmash]

I try my best! Maybe a bit too hard sometimes lol. Glad you like it

[@Lee_Adamson_OCF]

I really enjoy these smaller population fortresses and adventure mode, where you really get to know the individual dwarves.

[@Occatuul]

So glad you are feeling better! I've had covid twice now as well and it is without a doubt awful. Please be well, Krugg, and thanks for the awesome episode!

[@kruggsmash]

It was actually pretty terrible for a bit there. I get real scatterbrained and it's super hard to focus on work. I got a liot of good feedback for this episode though so..maybe I should get covid more often lol

[@tulsatrash]

Honestly I found that the Dwarves discovered an immunity of the demon the hard way, but planned well enough to escape and start finding another solution was very neat. Also the triple supefiring ballista setup was cool. The whole effort combined tells a story of 7 dwarves who are taking achieving their destiny very seriously. They will put brains and brawn and blood and sweat into it, and take failures as the learning opportunities they are so they can come back better. I'm excited to see what they do next.

[@dwarfguy6146]

That ballista fight was hype as hell, that editing made that moment the height of my week

[@Tree.lancer]

I fucking love your content Kruggsmash! Its crazy how far it has come now that Dwarf fortress actually has graphics! love the art, and the stories, as always!

[@Yourneighbor1112]

Man your effort and attention is just so apparent in these, im just blown away everytime. I might as well be watching a studio produced saga! Thank you!

[@kruggsmash]

Hhaha I try my best! Might be that I try a bit too hard sometimes lol. Glad you think it's worth it though :) Thanks for watching!

[@xJim91x]

Slightly concerned for Sodel's safety at 3:09, but luckily my fears were unfounded :P

[@kruggsmash]

He just talks a lot :D

[@Jonathan_Kordsmeier]

That felt like the scene in Aliens when they set up all the drones in the vent systems and tunnels. One the edge of my seat praying one connected. Shame to see it fail, but that editing was really well done. Keep it up Krugg.

[@MuscletoothRazorclaw]

While this result was mechanically frustrating, I actually think it worked really well story wise. That moment when your main characters rally, train, bring everything they have, and.... it isn't enough. You didn't let us down. The dwarves should have known this plan was too easy. It was hubris even! I'm glad nobody was hurt that would have sucked

[@travertinerphilipp6757]

Kruggsmash, you and your stories are amazing! The drawing style is feeling so familiar by now. Thank you for stories to listen to again and again!

[@kruggsmash]

Glad you think so! I don't know where the hell this drawing style came from, but I feeeeeeel like i'm rocking it.

[@figurativeElement]

this talk of purring maggots reminds me of the mod I've taken a hiatus on where one of the new creatures I add is the "Purring Marauder" that many think is the adult version of the purring maggot... until they hack off a limb and see it dissolve into smoke. Exoskeleton as hard as iron, four arms, no mouth, same purring noise as the maggots, but clearly something sprung from the nightmares of fearful dwarvish children.

[@bruce285]

watching these absolute works of art is what made me crack and buy the game on steam. Now that I'm a week into my studies at df university and understand how obscenely complex this game can be just to _play_, I'm even more impressed. Following the outlines of the emergent narrative as you play, guiding it, documenting it, then DRAWING IT BEAUTIFULLY and narrating it EXQUISITELY both in the writing and delivery. Like wtf. That's not to mention the archaeological work you put into the steam legends mode. Sorry to gush but I just had to say one time, huge props, and thanks (for getting me into a game that is going to steal hundreds if not thousands of my waking hours)

[@deadbolt602]

From what i can tell on the wiki, seems like siege engines in general have an entire pass they're still waiting on. Lots of outstanding bugs and weird idiosyncrasies to 'em still. Guess we'll need to rely on some good ol' Dwarven ingenuity to solve this demon problemm Heh Regardless, amazing episode! The art and story telling remains spectacular Krug.

[@kruggsmash]

Man, i heard a couple times in th ecomments that the ballista bolt may have missed b/c the demon way laying prone, which makes sense (in a way). just glad theres SOME sort of explanation even if it is corny as hell lol

[@deadbolt602]

@@kruggsmash Yeah there's a few notes about catapults glancing boulders off cloth clothes, ballista bolts failing to do damage. Stuff like that. I was hoping the wiki was out of date and those were mostly fixed. Suppose not

[@SusCalvin]

@@deadbolt602 Just when people think they have siege weapons down, some wonky bug shows up. When they sometimes work, they are cool as heck. And at least the operator does not run away at the sight of enemies now. I also thought "bug". Bolts repeatedly moving through the same space without impact was just too weird.

[@diraska]

I love the journey, kruggs, this was a much more enternaining way to discover that demons are invulnverable to balista.

[@wu1ming9shi]

I really like how you're keeping playing in this world. It makes you get creative with how dwarves look imo.

[@blakecarson6555]

Its been a while since ive watched one of your adventures and seeing the absurd beauty of your pixel intro just floors me.

[@benjaminmiddaugh2729]

Here's the thing. If the dwarves haven't encountered demons before I wouldn't be surprised that they would have to do some experimenting before finding the combination of weaponry and tactics that worked. So it's entirely consistent with the narrative (and makes a nice cliffhanger to end the episode, too).

[@Mikhos]

Love the editing. Poor gutter. Im sure he was super excited to take down the clear demon

[@lord123a]

So great to getting back to your video. Thanks for everything you do

[@PGMP2007]

LOL GREAT JOB EDITING that feeling ! while you were hunting the beast.

[@curtismcallister9569]

to the dwarves' credit i've never seen jealousy thoughts in a dwarven polycule, some might say it's "unimplemented", but i see it as Armok has decided dwarves just don't do sordid affairs

[@Plumbersmack]

I want an entire 40 min video about the different kinds of dwarven milk. Also, don’t beat yourself up about not killing the demon. I kinda love the cliff hanger.

[@rojopantalones9791]

The purring maggots made me think of my current D&D campaign, where the dwarves, instead of being metalworkers, are farmers, growing crops underground by the light of bioluminescent fungus. Some are ranchers, raising rust monsters as livestock, and they derive their given names from oxides. Instead of horses, which would fare all too well underground, they ride giant cave lizards, commonly referred to as Field Monitors, which are well suited to living in caves and able to climb on cave walls. This requires a complex harness for the dwarves who ride upon their backs so as to not have them fall off when upon the walls or ceilings. Some dwarves are bakers, also capable of fashioning weapons out of different mineral rich breads. Instead of metal, the warrior caste is clad in leather and rust monster hides, which are as tough as steel on their own. But the vein that's similar is that the rust monsters aren't raised for meat or hides directly. The hides are only taken from shed exoskeletons or those that met a natural end. Instead, they're raised for rust monster "milk," so they're more akin to cattle mixed with sheep. This "milk" is normally unpalatable on its own, instead mixed in with their dishes as a means of providing a mineral rich nutritional supplement, as rust monsters eat any metal they can get their feelers on. They only produce this "milk" for creatures they trust, much like a housecat will bring home a kill in an attempt to feed its owner, so rust monsters are held in high regard and well taken care of, hence why they're not directly raised for their hides. Within the ranks of these dwarves are the Monks of the Rusted Fist, a sect of monks that use gauntlets made from rust monster hide to improve their unarmed prowess. Their leader holds the title of Eucharist, functionally like a bishop or pope, and, much like many other titles in their society, is themed after bread, their primary staple. They have their own slang, like "well-leavened," for educated or intelligent, and "stale," for boring or old-fashioned. Their former king, King Pumpernickel, before being outed as a Drow spy in disguise, was King Pumpernickel the Toasted, for his deep brown beard and fiery personality, only to later gain the moniker of "the Moldy," upon the populace learning of his treachery. He was replaced by a kobold, of all things, put their by divine right and chosen by their gods as their new leader, as King Pumpernickel had no heir. His name is Skindiana Bones, a former treasure hunter clad in a cowboy hat (a traditional hat of the dwarves of Dwexas) and a sorcerer in his own right. He's proven to be a good leader so far, in spite of him not being a dwarf. Will admit that the whole concept isn't entirely my work. My players have had just as much say in how the world has worked as I have, and the concept of them being farmers and bakers came about as a bit of a joke before evolving into actual lore for the setting.

[@ronanlyons5525]

Awesome video. You have to remember that dwarves are not like humans so their relationships can be confusing to us. It was a bummer that the ballista didn't work, I had a fortress where that happened to me once and I stopped playing over it, but that fortress was already broken by a squad of goblins stamping a zombie head into a powder causing lag. My solution was a ballista to shoot them but the bolt passed right though the group and didn't harm them. I haven't heard of layering ballistas before but I did stagger them once so I could have three arrows travel down a three block wide corridor.

[@naota3k]

The amount of passion and effort put into these is staggering... incredible stuff Krugg.

[@dethkruzer]

Charming as ever. Lots of nice art to this one.

[@kruggsmash]

And ye ti always feel like I never do enough. It's a struggle I tells ya. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@thatptooiedude1664]

Please take it easy and feel better soon. Another fantastic episode. The intro animation was totally worth the delay im obsessed with it. I love how bouncy the animation is, you really do need to give yourself some more credit! Can't wait for the next episode!! :)

[@Kiesmander]

As much as it sucks the ballistas didn't work, it was SO intense of a scene. Well done.

[@kruggsmash]

I'm glad! Really had to turn those lemons into lemonade, you know?

[@kruggsmash]

...when life gives you maggots..

[@agrivex5788]

Ach i love these videos. Thank you Kruggsmash for making them. Your a true artist.

[@zORg_alex]

These intros are getting better every time. Love them.

[@MahNoseIsMelting]

I do have to admit, seeing the demon running and dodging those bolts (seemingly atleast) didn't disappoint me at all. In fact, it had me all fricking tense about it! The creatures really turning into a bit of an arc baddie. Wonder how it would do against the big beastie upstairs.

[@Kernel_Kertz]

Ah, bringing back fond memories of the Badger Tree...

[@kruggsmash]

Its getting to be that time of year again isn't it?

[@IchthysdeKilt]

Love the intro to this series!

[@kruggsmash]

Glad! It was an intense amount of effort to get it done, but happy it was worth it.

[@IchthysdeKilt]

@@kruggsmash Thanks for making it! And feel better soon!

[@raynorplayz4731]

Been waiting for this one!

[@kruggsmash]

Goddamn covid struck me down agaaaaain. it's pretty bad stuff

[@teakat9608]

The demon's infernal essence shrouds it from projectile fire, or something. I wonder if it's also immune to crossbow fire, too. As always, Krugg, your video is top notch. [chef's kiss]

[@nobodywantsthisfeature]

a new kruggsmash upload is just what i needed after a long and stressful day. Thanks for everything you're doing!

[@paradoxface1893]

"working your beard to the chin" is an amazing dwarven turn of phrase, lol. loved the look of that new human civilization, it was immediately clear that they were from far away. overall, atmosphere this episode was immaculate. the demonic whinnies echoing in the distance down that long tunnel were properly spooky

[@feodorborisevich]

Wow what an intro. Pretty animation and eerie storytelling afterwards. I'm whisked away into this world

[@jamescanjuggle]

A hard days work and these videos really bring me back to center and relaxed. Also wow that intro is fantastic as always, so suspenseful!

[@suzienewby7055]

Great episode! I love this series! And that you took the time to make all the weird instruments, a that the dwarves pretended to play them even with them there. Cool to see that’s it’s not just a thing that happens if they don’t have instruments

[@erridian6838]

That was a great episode! Just think, with that ballista trap failing, I can imagine that demon having either wisps of shadows that the ballista passes through or some uncanny twisting ability. It sucks it didn't work, but the visual is pretty great!

[@ShizaruBloodrayne]

despite the unexpected ending, at least the demon didn't kill any dwarves

[@kruggsmash]

Thats the truth there. I imagine the guy could rip through the whole fort with little trouble honestly..

[@Ultrawup]

The editing made that whole ballista-demon-situation quite exciting to watch actually :D Though it'd definitely suck to play, go through all that effort and then getting noped out on by scuffed mechanics... Ballistas should definitely work against demons, it's only fair with how big a hassle and investment they are.

[@MerlinCross13]

God you have to feel for Gutter being on that ballista waiting for the creature to come kill him

[@Bobdd0]

This was a very very tense Episode! I love this man, lets see how that damnable horse will be felled in the end

[@bertohead]

The quality of these videos is incredible

[@cameronneveu7277]

Dwarven Milk... Get your mind out of the gutter, it doesn't come from dwarves, it comes for squeezing long fleshy maggots... Nope that's worse.

[@kruggsmash]

listen, it's a cultural thing. It's a shame you couldn't appreciate the true decadence of a warm mouthful of lumpy worm squeezings.

[@blamb9977]

Oh-- this intro?? A BANGER???

[@LukHaider0]

man this intro is just amazing. i get so hype when the dancing starts. I really love your content. also the little things, like the recurring trader girl from northbridge.

[@sebastianhart217]

This episode really cheered me up today! Thanks a bunch

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

Krugg, your bit on purring maggots took me back to the lion king for a moment

[@Vlamyncksken]

Did I forget about a scene with purring maggots or are you referring to a purring cub?

[@RenkoUsami]

Human visitors of the Oceanic Realm? We found Australia, hurray

[@kruggsmash]

Oh lawd they comin'

[@feelthesurge1003]

WAS waiting for the new episode....and now waiting for the next one ❤

[@kruggsmash]

haha yeah a little late on this one. Had covid..again. it really stinks :p Glad you're eager for more!

[@feelthesurge1003]

@@kruggsmash again !....bro🤪. Stay safe bro.yeah always eager to watch ur series love the way u represent them .... can u make next series on a winter biom cuz it's my favourite one and I'd like to imagine myself as a dwarf working in deep cavern in harsh winter then enjoying the drink with my friends in tavern(every time I play dwarf fortress)hahahahaha.