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Editing v0.31:Adventure mode quick start
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− | {{quality| | + | {{quality|Exceptional|15:08, 28 March 2011 (UTC)}}{{av}} |
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+ | This guide provides step-by-step instruction for those who have never played Dwarf Fortress in '''Adventure Mode''' before. Read the full [[adventure mode]] documentation for additional detail. | ||
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= World Generation = | = World Generation = | ||
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For your first game it's best to start with a generic world to avoid potential problems. You can come back to an existing world once you have the hang of things. | For your first game it's best to start with a generic world to avoid potential problems. You can come back to an existing world once you have the hang of things. | ||
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− | {{ | + | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''For your first game, generate a world using''' {{DFtext|Create New World!}} '''with:''' |
* {{DFtext|World Size}} is {{DFtext|Medium|3:1}} | * {{DFtext|World Size}} is {{DFtext|Medium|3:1}} | ||
* {{DFtext|History}} is {{DFtext|Short|3:1}} | * {{DFtext|History}} is {{DFtext|Short|3:1}} | ||
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== Race and Civilization== | == Race and Civilization== | ||
− | + | The first step in starting an [[adventure mode]] game is to choose the race (and civilization) of your adventurer. | |
− | The first step in starting an [[adventure mode]] game is to choose the race (and civilization) of your adventurer | ||
− | + | All three races can complete the same quests. '''Elves''' are arguably the most challenging since they start with very weak wooden weapons. Starting equipment for '''dwarves''' is generally better (the only race which can start with steel weapons), though for now much of the armor and clothing you will find is too large for dwarves as shops only sell human-sized clothing. | |
− | + | '''Humans''' are all around the best choice, as they begin with bronze or iron weapons and can use any of the items sold by shopkeepers (who, for the time being, are only found in human towns). "Human outsiders", however, start with almost no equipment and most civilizations are unfriendly to them, so it's suggested that you not pick that "civilization" option until you really get the hang of things and want a challenge. | |
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− | + | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''For your first game, select Human of some civilization (not outsider).'''}} | |
== Status == | == Status == | ||
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You can then choose to start as either a '''Peasant''', '''Hero''' or '''Demigod'''. Each offers progressively more points to spend on attributes and skills. These three options essentially amount to how difficult it is to get started, so to make things easier for your first game you may want to just pick "demigod". | You can then choose to start as either a '''Peasant''', '''Hero''' or '''Demigod'''. Each offers progressively more points to spend on attributes and skills. These three options essentially amount to how difficult it is to get started, so to make things easier for your first game you may want to just pick "demigod". | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''For your first game, select Demigod as your status.'''}} | ||
== Starting Attributes == | == Starting Attributes == | ||
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These are the attributes you start with. They will go up as your skills increase which means that many of them can be raised in game, sometimes rather easily. '''Agility''', '''Toughness''', and '''Strength''' are probably the most important, in that order. '''Endurance''' keeps a character from getting exhausted too quickly in battle, and '''Social Awareness''' increases the number of followers you can have at one time. | These are the attributes you start with. They will go up as your skills increase which means that many of them can be raised in game, sometimes rather easily. '''Agility''', '''Toughness''', and '''Strength''' are probably the most important, in that order. '''Endurance''' keeps a character from getting exhausted too quickly in battle, and '''Social Awareness''' increases the number of followers you can have at one time. | ||
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− | {{ | + | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''For your first game, select the following attributes:''' |
* High '''Strength''' | * High '''Strength''' | ||
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* Above Average '''Social Awareness''' | * Above Average '''Social Awareness''' | ||
− | The others are either less important, easier to raise by doing things in game, or totally useless. Note that you won't have enough attribute points to | + | The others are either less important, easier to raise by doing things in game, or totally useless like Musicality. Note that you won't have enough attribute points to select these unless you set status to Demigod. |
− | Later you may find that you want to start with different attributes, but these are a good safe starting point | + | Later you may find that you want to start with different attributes, but these are a good safe starting point.}} |
− | + | == Starting Skills == | |
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These are what you start out with for skills, though you can increase them and develop others by doing things in game. The most important in the beginning are a specific melee weapon skill (such as '''Swordsman'''), and defensive skills like '''Shield User''', '''Armor User''', and '''Dodger'''. | These are what you start out with for skills, though you can increase them and develop others by doing things in game. The most important in the beginning are a specific melee weapon skill (such as '''Swordsman'''), and defensive skills like '''Shield User''', '''Armor User''', and '''Dodger'''. | ||
− | Defensive skills are absolutely critical if you don't want to die instantly. (See | + | Defensive skills are absolutely critical if you don't want to die instantly. (See {{L|Fighter|combat skills}} for more info.) '''Observer''' is important for avoiding ambushes, which often mean instant death if sleeping, and '''Swimmer''' helps to avoid drowning. Others such as Fighter are useful but increase rather easily on their own in game. |
− | {{ | + | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''For your first game, select the following starting skills:''' |
* Skilled '''Swordsman''' (feel free to substitute a different melee weapon skill for this) | * Skilled '''Swordsman''' (feel free to substitute a different melee weapon skill for this) | ||
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The rest of the skills are relatively easy to raise in game or aren't that important at the beginning. Note that you won't have enough skill points to select all of these unless you previously selected Demigod as your status. | The rest of the skills are relatively easy to raise in game or aren't that important at the beginning. Note that you won't have enough skill points to select all of these unless you previously selected Demigod as your status. | ||
− | As with attributes, you may later find that you want to experiment with different skill point allocations, but these are some good safe starting choices | + | As with attributes, you may later find that you want to experiment with different skill point allocations, but these are some good safe starting choices.}} |
− | Read up on | + | Read up on {{L|Attribute|attributes}} and {{L|Skill|skills}} for more information on customizing your character. |
== Other == | == Other == | ||
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Your name and gender don't impact your character's ability, so feel free to do whatever you want with those. | Your name and gender don't impact your character's ability, so feel free to do whatever you want with those. | ||
= Gameplay = | = Gameplay = | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''Most of the key commands you will need are noted in the text, but refer to the {{L|Adventure Mode quick reference|quick reference}} guide if you need to look up the key for a particular action.'''}} | ||
== Setting Off == | == Setting Off == | ||
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You will usually start your adventure near a peasant hut. You can ask nearby commoners, using the {{k|k}} key, if you may be of any {{DFtext|Service|3:1}}. They will then inform you of any problems their locality is suffering from, giving you a quest. In the beginning this usually means killing a nearby bandit. | You will usually start your adventure near a peasant hut. You can ask nearby commoners, using the {{k|k}} key, if you may be of any {{DFtext|Service|3:1}}. They will then inform you of any problems their locality is suffering from, giving you a quest. In the beginning this usually means killing a nearby bandit. | ||
− | '''Walk into a hut, talk to a commoner, and get a quest.''' Feel free to ask some commoners to {{DFtext|Join|3:1}} you if you want though most of them will refuse. | + | |
+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''Walk into a hut, talk to a commoner, and get a quest.''' Feel free to ask some commoners to {{DFtext|Join|3:1}} you if you want though most of them will refuse.}} | ||
== Fast Travel == | == Fast Travel == | ||
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So far you've been traveling around at normal scale, but this can be very slow for traveling between geographical regions. | So far you've been traveling around at normal scale, but this can be very slow for traveling between geographical regions. | ||
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Use {{k|m}} to open a zoomed-out overview map to further help you navigate. | Use {{k|m}} to open a zoomed-out overview map to further help you navigate. | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#a00|'''Avoid traveling in the wilderness at night, particularly when you are alone.'''}} | ||
== Finding Some Muscle == | == Finding Some Muscle == | ||
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Much of the time, especially at the beginning, you need some companions to watch your back. The best place to find some is at a fortress. When in the fast-travel screen, press {{k|m}} to bring up the region map. Fortresses on the region map appear as small circles (marked as O on the map) and look like large buildings on the fast travel map. | Much of the time, especially at the beginning, you need some companions to watch your back. The best place to find some is at a fortress. When in the fast-travel screen, press {{k|m}} to bring up the region map. Fortresses on the region map appear as small circles (marked as O on the map) and look like large buildings on the fast travel map. | ||
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Move next to the entrance of a fortress and hit {{k|>}} to exit fast travel. Now move toward the fortress and you'll soon encounter the wall. You may need to walk around a bit to find the entrance. Once inside, if the fortress is not abandoned, you will find soldiers milling around. Use {{k|k}} to talk to them and ask them to {{DFtext|Join|3:1}} you. At first you will only be able to get three followers but this is enough for now. | Move next to the entrance of a fortress and hit {{k|>}} to exit fast travel. Now move toward the fortress and you'll soon encounter the wall. You may need to walk around a bit to find the entrance. Once inside, if the fortress is not abandoned, you will find soldiers milling around. Use {{k|k}} to talk to them and ask them to {{DFtext|Join|3:1}} you. At first you will only be able to get three followers but this is enough for now. | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#0a0|'''For now, always recruit the maximum number of companions.''' Later you may find that you don't need as many, though you'll usually need at least a few.}} | ||
If the fortress is abandoned, leave and try another one. | If the fortress is abandoned, leave and try another one. | ||
Walk some distance away from the fort and go back to the fast travel screen with {{key|T}}. | Walk some distance away from the fort and go back to the fast travel screen with {{key|T}}. | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#a00|'''When fast-traveling, make sure that all of your companions are near you or some may be left behind.'''}} | ||
== Getting Some Rest == | == Getting Some Rest == | ||
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At this point you may have traveled enough that your character is tired. When your adventurer becomes tired, as indicated by the {{DFtext|Drowsy|3:0}} attribute, it's time for some sleep. Move to a settlement of some sort, go into a building, and use the {{k|Z}} key to bring up the sleep menu. | At this point you may have traveled enough that your character is tired. When your adventurer becomes tired, as indicated by the {{DFtext|Drowsy|3:0}} attribute, it's time for some sleep. Move to a settlement of some sort, go into a building, and use the {{k|Z}} key to bring up the sleep menu. | ||
If you are in a private house, you must first ask the owner for permission before you can sleep. If a commoner is blocking you from entering his home, use the {{k|s}} key to crawl under his legs, and then the same key to stand back up. | If you are in a private house, you must first ask the owner for permission before you can sleep. If a commoner is blocking you from entering his home, use the {{k|s}} key to crawl under his legs, and then the same key to stand back up. | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#a00|'''Beware of sleeping in the wilderness at night!''' If you have to sleep outside, only do so if you have companions. Even if you do have companions, it will usually be better to travel drowsy until you reach a fort or town where it's safe to sleep.}} | ||
== Finding Your Target == | == Finding Your Target == | ||
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Use {{k|Q}} to bring up the quest screen. Using the {{k|+}} and {{k|-}} keys, you can scroll through the quests displayed on the right. Pressing {{k|z}} will zoom in on the current quest target, showing you the quickest path to reach it. The quest menu can also be used to pinpoint the location of many other useful sites and entities. | Use {{k|Q}} to bring up the quest screen. Using the {{k|+}} and {{k|-}} keys, you can scroll through the quests displayed on the right. Pressing {{k|z}} will zoom in on the current quest target, showing you the quickest path to reach it. The quest menu can also be used to pinpoint the location of many other useful sites and entities. | ||
Fast travel toward the location where your target is. When you get close, go back to the quest screen, hit {{k|z}} and you should get a more detailed map of exactly where to go. Once you are in the right spot, hit {{k|>}} to exit fast travel mode. | Fast travel toward the location where your target is. When you get close, go back to the quest screen, hit {{k|z}} and you should get a more detailed map of exactly where to go. Once you are in the right spot, hit {{k|>}} to exit fast travel mode. | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#a00|'''Note that the target of your first quest may be in a camp (looks like {{Tile|{{DB}}|6:0:1}}) surrounded by henchmen.''' Make sure to approach carefully and when you see one of them, let them come to you and let your companions attack first.}} | ||
In the upper-left corner of the screen you will now see a box with a list of icons and an abbreviation for a direction such as {{DFtext|NNE}} (north northeast). One of these will be marked with {{DFtext|TSK|3:1}} and that is your target. Continue to move in the indicated direction until you find the target that you're supposed to kill. | In the upper-left corner of the screen you will now see a box with a list of icons and an abbreviation for a direction such as {{DFtext|NNE}} (north northeast). One of these will be marked with {{DFtext|TSK|3:1}} and that is your target. Continue to move in the indicated direction until you find the target that you're supposed to kill. | ||
== Fighting == | == Fighting == | ||
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− | + | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#a00|'''If you attempt to kill the target(s) of your first quest with no companions and no armor then you are very likely to die.''' Therefore, before proceeding make sure you have friends with you or at least have somehow obtained metal armor.}} | |
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− | + | To fight, simply use the directional key to move your character as if to collide with your target. You can also press {{key|A}} when directly adjacent to a target in order to target specific body parts, or attack non-hostile targets. | |
− | + | For your first fight, you may want to let your companions take the lead as you won't have any decent armor yet. Press {{k|.}} to skip turns if you want to wait in one spot and let your friends do the fighting or let your target come to you. If one of your companions dies, no big deal. You can just take his stuff by pressing {{k|g}} then get another follower later. | |
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Once your targets are dead, take their stuff using the {{k|g}} key. Immediately use {{k|w}} to wear any armor or clothing you gain. Decapitated heads can be left behind. | Once your targets are dead, take their stuff using the {{k|g}} key. Immediately use {{k|w}} to wear any armor or clothing you gain. Decapitated heads can be left behind. | ||
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== Completing Quests == | == Completing Quests == | ||
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Once you complete your first quest, you can talk to any hamlet, town or fortress dweller to spread the news of your success. Though your quest log will direct you there, it is not necessary to return to the individual who gave you the quest to report your success. | Once you complete your first quest, you can talk to any hamlet, town or fortress dweller to spread the news of your success. Though your quest log will direct you there, it is not necessary to return to the individual who gave you the quest to report your success. | ||
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Each time you report your success, your level of fame will increase. Once your fame has risen, more mighty warriors may want to join you on your way to glory. They can be recruited at fortresses or among the common peasants. Your companions will greatly increase your chances of survival and adventurers who care about such things should drop by the nearest fortress as quickly as possible. | Each time you report your success, your level of fame will increase. Once your fame has risen, more mighty warriors may want to join you on your way to glory. They can be recruited at fortresses or among the common peasants. Your companions will greatly increase your chances of survival and adventurers who care about such things should drop by the nearest fortress as quickly as possible. | ||
== Checking Things Out == | == Checking Things Out == | ||
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At any time, use the {{k|z}} key to display your status. This can be used to look for any scratches, bruises or missing limbs. | At any time, use the {{k|z}} key to display your status. This can be used to look for any scratches, bruises or missing limbs. | ||
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== Trading == | == Trading == | ||
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Next you will probably want to sell of a bunch of junk you don't need and ideally buy some armor. To do this you'll need to find a shop. | Next you will probably want to sell of a bunch of junk you don't need and ideally buy some armor. To do this you'll need to find a shop. | ||
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To find shops, go stand on a yellow {{Tile|■|6:0:1}} tile on the fast travel screen then press {{k|>}}. Walk around a bit and you should find some huts with signs outside. These are shops. You can walk inside and talk to the residents just like anyone else, except that residents in shops will be willing to {{DFtext|Trade|3:1}} with you. Armor shops have a sign that looks like {{Tile|[|3:1}} armor. | To find shops, go stand on a yellow {{Tile|■|6:0:1}} tile on the fast travel screen then press {{k|>}}. Walk around a bit and you should find some huts with signs outside. These are shops. You can walk inside and talk to the residents just like anyone else, except that residents in shops will be willing to {{DFtext|Trade|3:1}} with you. Armor shops have a sign that looks like {{Tile|[|3:1}} armor. | ||
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+ | {{Colored_Notice_Box|#a00|'''Read the section on {{l|Adventure_mode#Trading_.28barter.29|Adventure Mode Trading}} because how trading works is not entirely obvious, especially the fact that you must manually pick up your change and whatever you buy.'''}} | ||
== What Next == | == What Next == | ||
− | The next thing you should do is work on getting a full set of armor unless you have been | + | |
+ | The next thing you should do is work on getting a full set of armor unless you have been luckily enough to have already obtained one. You may want to go tromping around in the woods looking for animals to kill. Killing animals can be profitable because you can butcher their corpses with {{k|x}} and sell the products. Butcher and sell all animal corpses until you've managed to obtain a full set of metal armor. Meat is surprisingly valuable. | ||
You may need to visit several armor shops to find all the armor pieces you need. | You may need to visit several armor shops to find all the armor pieces you need. | ||
− | + | After you've armored up a bit, it's probably safe to go on the next quest. Get as many companions as you can and set off for your next target. You can also ask commoners about {{DFtext|Surroundings|3:1}} which can reveal lairs and other hidden sites on the map, but you should probably avoid any non-quest monster sites in the beginning as lairs and such can have creatures that you won't be able to handle at this point. | |
− | After | + | == After That == |
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Congratulations, you have graduated from adventurer school. You can now keep doing quests, explore random sites, go find and explore an old fort of yours in one of your existing worlds, get lost in the underworld, or whatever you feel like. | Congratulations, you have graduated from adventurer school. You can now keep doing quests, explore random sites, go find and explore an old fort of yours in one of your existing worlds, get lost in the underworld, or whatever you feel like. | ||
− | + | = Tips = | |
− | + | * Pick companions with good equipment so you can "inherit" it when they get killed. | |
− | + | * Metal armor is rather important so get a full suit as soon as possible. If you don't mind causing an entire civilization to be hostile to you (preventing trade, et al, with that civ): | |
+ | ** It's also relatively easy to obtain some armor by killing a sleeping soldier in a fort and taking his stuff. | ||
+ | ** Most villagers are pretty easy to kill and while their stuff isn't usually too valuable it is worth something. Instead of killing animals you can go around killing villagers and taking their stuff, then travel to another civilization that doesn't know (or maybe care) how evil you are in order to trade. | ||
+ | ** Don't try this in the beginning if the next civilization over is more than a day or so away. | ||
+ | * When approaching a camp or other site, you may want to use {{k|S}} to sneak in and loot any loose items first. While it's very slow, you can sneak over large distances instead of using fast travel in order to increase your sneaking skill (Ambushing). | ||
+ | * A good way to raise your Fighting and Wrestling skills and related attributes is to go find a small relatively harmless animal and wrestle with it over and over again. You can wrestle using {{k|A}} followed by {{k|Enter}}. Continually grabbing and releasing a creature is sufficient to raise your skill. | ||
+ | * In addition to wrestling the creature, you can also sit and let it attack you to raise your defensive skills. If you have metal armor then a small animal like a gopher can't do any real damage to you even if it hits. | ||
+ | * Sharpening rocks with {{k|x}} and throwing them with {{k|t}} will raise your Throwing, Archery, and Knapping skills. More importantly though, raising these skills with raise your Spacial Sense and Kinesthetic Sense attributes which help with a number of other skills. Being able to throw objects at creatures, while not terribly devastating, can still come in handy. | ||
+ | * Once your defensive skills are getting up there and your agility is high enough to make your speed 1300+, you might want to try fighting bogeymen to increase your weapon skill. Just make sure to fight them one at a time while running away. If you don't know what a bogeyman is yet then you are not ready to try this. | ||
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{{Category|Adventurer mode}} | {{Category|Adventurer mode}} |