A part from fortress Zasrimad's log, Dwarf Fortress:

"- 24th Limestone. Digging deeper from 56. level started. So far nothing but worthless gems. We'll try to find bituminous coal, but miners said it's usually found in sedimentary stone layers where hematite is found. That's why it was suggested that we start test mining from 6. to 8. level nearer the surface.

- 26th Limestone. Echoes of Forgotten Beast Midil were heard in the deepest cave of 56. level: a winged, one-eyed beast that breathes fire announced its arrival. This is bad because it can fly over the cliffs.

- More monsters sighted in the cave: long tailed creatures called rutherers. Luckily path to that part of the cave has been secured by removing ramps.

- 4th Sandstone. Flying monster hasn't been seen in the area for a week so bravest woodcutters have entered the cave in order to collect all trees: steel industry needs more coal. Many haulers have followed their lead.

- On 9th Sandstone. Midil The Forgotten Beast appeared suddenly and attacked woodcutters and wood haulers;

A huge section of the cavern was in flames as the beast hurled balls of fire one after another. Marksdwarf Kogansárek attacked the beast, hitting it once to right lower leg. War dog that was guarding the entrance burned to death, as did soldier Leklokum and marksdwarves Rakaslór and Zasmómgoz. Smoke filled the tunnel and cave when we escaped; guards Shemsedil and Såkzulfesh, marksdwarf Kogansárek, mason Zimkonos and miner Dallithrith were missing after doors were locked. It wont stop the beast but mason blocked the entrance to the inner fortress in time.

One war dog charged the beast after all others fled, inflicting several injuries to this beast before burning to crisp.

- 19th Sandstone - four marksdwarf squads and one infantry squad has been sent to deal with the wounded beast. Marksdwarves charged the beast, firing it with crossbows and also engaging into melee fight, followed by the infantry squad. A strike to beast's lungs spilled boiling blood all over the beast, but also over nearby dwarves. Marksdwarves Atírnikuz and Lasgantobul burned to death. Bimegdoth, militia captain of the Mansions of Light, perished to his wounds. Other dwarves received horrible injuries while fighting the beast - fire burned the head of Rakustkesh, the militia captain of the 5th marksdwarf squad.

When day turned to new the beast was dead; finishing blow was given by the famous marksdwarf Òdadónul Zocukoddom Deler. Bodies of five missing dwarves were never found, only few tools they had dropped while escaping. Their tombs will stay empty so memorials were build for them."
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A story about usual experiences when playing Dwarf Fortress, which sometimes resembles watching a real civilization with their own historic events. Dwarves record their history on their own and have own personalities which creates unique experiences... like this story about a forlorn haunt: [link]

A megabeast from my Dwarf Fortress gaming session, quick digital illustration (30-60 min). There're weekly entries for illustrating beasts players encounter in their fortresses in DF forum and I have made a few drawings as well. Those monsters are real nightmare fuel, lurking in the dark caves beneath the earth and eating your citizens whenever they can, possibly bringing death to your entire colony.

Playing with light and shadows by using tablet and illustrating from description alone is a good way to "train" imagination. It's great to see other people's versions as well.

Third and so far the last beast.