Dwarf Fortress Wiki - User contributions [en]

Wagon

2024-11-13T19:53:50Z

Pixelpusher220: Added labor category for deconstruction

{{Quality|Fine}}
{{creaturelookup/0
|image=wagon_sprite.png
|contrib=no
|death=item
|item=Wagon wood
|wiki=yes}}
{{av}}
{{buggy}}
:''This page is about the creature. For the structure, see [[Wagon (embark)]]''

{{creaturedesc}}
'''Wagons''' are special "[[creatures]]" used by [[human]] and [[Dwarf|dwarven]] [[caravan]]s. Wagons have a much greater hauling capacity than pack animals, increasing the imported goods available to your fortress and the capacity for exported goods. Surprisingly, despite their capacity and being the only multi-tile creature, wagons are only 1/5th the size (volume) of a dwarf - no wonder they scuttle so easily.

Wagons require specific accommodations to reach your fortress: wagon-accessible paths must be three tiles wide, extend from natural-land tiles at the screen border to your [[trade depot]], and cannot contain [[trap]]s or [[pressure plate]]s. If wagons are unable to find a path to your trade depot (or if you have not built a depot at all), they will bypass your site, and you will only be able to trade for what is available on the merchants' pack animals.

Wagons which are destroyed, abandoned, or scuttled will leave behind a unique type of [[wood]]: wagon wood. Since they count as creatures, dead wagons can be [[memorial]]ized (though a [[ghost]]ly wagon has not yet been observed).{{cite talk/this|Wagon death, list in deceased list and memorialization bug reproduction}} Wagon deconstruction requires the [[Carpenter]] labor.

Dwarves will never have [[preferences|preference]] for wagons, as they possess no {{token|PREFSTRING}}.

As stated by their raw files, they exist as creatures only temporarily, until moving siege engines are added to the game.

== Depot Accessibility ==
'''There is not a tool to check wagon accessibility currently{{version|50.11}}, the screenshots are from a previous version. '''

Trade wagons will not visit your fort, unless you have a noble with a barony title or greater (count, duke, etc).

[[File:Wagon access.png|thumb|260px|right|An accessible and an inaccessible wagon path. Below is how the paths are viewed with depot access turned on.]]

In order to appear alongside caravans, wagons must have an appropriate place on the map edge to spawn, and an unobstructed path to the [[trade depot]].

Accessibility is calculated from your depot towards the map edges; even though you see a green area around your depot, it may not be accessible from outside. You need to make sure the path extends all the way to some edge of the map. The display is somewhat misleading, in that a one-tile wide green path is sufficient for the 3-tile wide wagons; the green {{Raw Tile|W|2:2:1}}s represent only the ''center'' of a wagon, although the whole 3×3 can fit around it - so a three-tile wide path, which can fit a wagon, will only show up as one-tile wide line of {{Raw Tile|W|2:2:1}}s. When the route they would take goes over hills (ramps), it's hard to eye whether it is continuous all the way to the edge of the map, so be sure you see the words "depot accessible" on the depot access screen.

As long as you have a 3-tile wide path to the depot that reaches ''any'' natural-land tiles at the edge of the map, wagons will be able to reach the depot. If there is only one path they can take, they will take that path. You can force them to enter and exit the map in an exact spot -- preferably very near your depot -- by erecting walls or digging channels so that all paths but the one you want them to take are blocked. Note that all caravans will prefer to enter the map at a wagon-accessible point, so this can also be used for [[Elf|elven]] caravans as well.

Wagons will not appear on non-natural surface tiles at a map edge (such as a "bridge to nowhere"), though they can sometimes be encouraged to leave the map edge in such a manner. Wagons will also delay appearing at the map edge if their intended location is currently blocked by any other creature, similar to [[migrant]]s.

=== Trade depots on different z-levels ===
If your trade depot is underground, there needs to be a ramp that is at least 3 tiles wide, so that the wagon can proceed to the next level. If this goes into your fortress, you may want to secure it somehow from attackers and unwanted critters, e.g. by using a [[bridge]].

== Movement ==
[[File:wagon_enter_anim.gif|thumb|241px|right|Human merchants directing their wagons in a 3×3 channel.]]When determining movement, a wagon has a 3×3 "footprint" (9 squares). However, for many purposes, only the center square is considered. Animals drawing the wagon are not considered for purposes of determining movement.

Wagons can move horizontally across/through:
* Ordinary open ground
* Small plants, e.g. [[grass]], [[shrub]]s
* Constructed [[road]]s or [[floor]]s
* [[Bridge]]s
* Closed [[hatch cover]]s, even if they are over open space
* [[Ramp]]s (both "up" to the next z-level, and the empty hole over a ramp "down" to the next z-level below)
* Passable buildings (e.g. [[workshop]]s or [[restraint]]s)
* [[Creature]]s, apart from other wagons
* [[Gear assembly|Gear assemblies]] and horizontal [[axle]]s built on passable tiles

Wagons '''cannot''' move horizontally across/through:
* Open space below
* [[Boulder]]s (can be [[smoothing|smoothed]] to make them passable)
* [[Trap]]s
* [[Pressure plate]]s
* Any type of [[stairs|stair]] tile, apart from a down stair with a hatch cover on top
* Impassable buildings (e.g. [[statue]]s)
* [[Door]]s, even if they are operated by [[lever]] and left open
* Drained [[murky pool]] or [[river]] tiles (constructing and, optionally, removing a floor or road on top will make them passable)

Wagons can move up or down [[z-level]]s via ramps, provided they do not have hatch covers on top. Wagons use different rules for movement on ramps - namely, they are able to ascend a ramp to a raised floor over empty space, but cannot cross the line of ramps while remaining at the same level. With some careful design it is possible to make bridges that control depot accessibility without actually allowing anything to cross them, or paths that can be traversed only by wagons but not dwarves or ''vice versa''.

It may seem somewhat strange, but wagons **are** able to climb and descend 3×2 ramp tunnels (that is, a series of diagonally adjacent 1×3 up ramps going in the same direction). While climbing up and down these ramps, parts of the ramps can clip inside walls with apparently no ill effects. This is somewhat less strange when you consider that climbing down a (dwarf-usable) ramp always guarantees that the lower level cannot have at least 3×3 clearance, since at least one tile adjacent to the up ramp below must be a solid tile to allow the ramp to be climbed by normal units. This is likely the reason why wagons have more lenient ramp climbing rules and can climb such ramps even if the solid tile is missing (though this will cause non-wagons to be unable to use the ramps).

== Wagon-only entrances ==
Wagons are able to navigate through certain entrances which other (walking) creatures cannot. Specifically, wagons can climb ramps that walking creatures consider to be "unusable". By building a set of ramps which are exclusively unusable, you can send wagons on a direct route, while filtering all other traffic through your trap-covered route.

Note: Pack animals with caravans will not follow the "wagon only" route. However, that means your trapped route to your Trade Depot can be only 1 tile wide.

An example: [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=125977.0]:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
[#0ff] [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]0 [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]+[#0ff]1
▓+++▓ ▓▓▓▓▓
▓+▲+▓ ▓+▼+▓
▓+++▓ ▓+++▓
▓▓▓▓▓ ▓+++▓
▓+++▓ ▓+++▓
▓+▲+▓ ▓+▼+▓
▓+++▓ ▓▓▓▓▓
}}

Another example, which uses slightly less space (note: this particular entrance is ''not'' a wagon-only entrance and is usable by creatures able to [[jump]]).
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
[#0ff] [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]-[#0ff]1 [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]0
▓▓▓▓▓ ▓+++▓
▓+++▓ ▓+++▓
▓+▲+▓ ▓·▼·▓
▓+++▓ ▓+++▓
▓▓▓▓▓ ▓+++▓
}}

Yet another example, which allow wagons to move between z-levels [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=175067.0]:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
[#0ff] [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]-[#0ff]4 [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]-[#0ff]3 [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]-[#0ff]2 [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]-[#0ff]1 [#0ff]Z[#0ff]{{=}}[#0ff]0
▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓+++▓
▓+++▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓+++▓ ▓▓+++▓
▓+▲▼▓▓ ▓+▼+▓▓ ▓▓+++▓ ▓▓+▲+▓ ▓▓+▼+▓
▓+++▓▓ ▓+▲+▓▓ ▓▓▼▲+▓ ▓▓+▼+▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓+++▓▓ ▓▓+++▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓
}}

== When do caravans bring wagons? ==
As of v50.05, there are two requirements for a caravan to bring wagons for their goods.

The first is that the civilization has access to wagons through their KILL_PLANT [[ethic]] response (which is why [[elf|Elves]] lack wagons), as well as wagon pullers through the [[Entity_token#COMMON_DOMESTIC_PULL|COMMON_DOMESTIC_PULL]] token. Both of these tokens can easily be added to vanilla civs by modifying the game's raws, though the former will alter their behavior during [[trade]].

The second is that the player's fort is either the current home of the [[monarch]] or that the site has been elevated to a landholding with an on-site living landholder such as a [[baron]], [[count]] or [[duke]]. Currently, these landholder titles corresponding to player forts will never be inherited, so if the holder of the title dies and the player's fort is not the residence of the monarch, caravans will permanently stop bringing wagons.

Players using [[DFHack]] can work around the second issue by using the ``gui/gm-editor`` tool to edit the title assignment so that the title is reassigned to another (preferably less ''dead'') historical figure.

Step by step instructions for fixing a corrupted or dead landholder position '''as of v50.05 and DFHack 50.05-alpha3.1''':

# Backup your saves. The ``gm-editor`` tool can cause irreversible save file corruption.
# Select the unit you wish to make into a noble and run ``gui/gm-editor`` from the DFHack terminal or launcher. This will bring up a page where you can (s)earch for the unit's ``hist_figure_id``. Write down this id, which from now on will be referred to as ``desired_histfig_id`` in this guide.
# Now that you have the required hist_fig_id, run ``gui/gm-editor df.historical_entity.find(df.global.plotinfo.civ_id).positions.own``. This a list of '''types''' of titles your civilization can give out (e.g. monarch, duke). Find the entry with ``code`` equal to your desired position (e.g. ``COUNT``, ``DUKE``, ``BARON``). Note the ``id`` for this entry, which from now on will be referred to as ``desired_position_id`` in this guide.
# Run ``gui/gm-editor df.global.plotinfo``. (s)earch for both ``civ_id`` (write this down for later, we will call it ``desired_civ_id``) and ``site_id`` (write down as well, we will call it ``desired_site_id``).
# Run ``gui/gm-editor df.world_site.find(df.global.plotinfo.site_id).entity_links``. Find the link here where ``entity_id`` is equal to ``desired_civ_id``. This is the game's information for connections between your site and your civ. Write down the value in ``position_profile_id``; we will refer this to ``desired_position_assignment_id`` in this guide.
# Run ``gui/gm-editor df.historical_entity.find(df.global.plotinfo.civ_id).positions.assignments``. This is a list of '''actual titles''' given out by your civ. Find the entry where ``id`` is equal to ``desired_position_assignment_id`` (in these entries, confusingly, ``id`` is the position_assignment_id, and ``position_id`` is the id of the '''type''' of title in ``positions.own`` from step 3.) This entry is the actual created title for your site (e.g. "Count of Boatmurders"), while the entry from step 3 is essentially just the information for "A count". Here you can replace `histfig` and `histfig2` with ``desired_histfig_id`` from step 2. The game should immediately after this recognize the new noble and display them in the nobles screen, but the noble will '''not''' recognize this title in their ``groups`` tab until you follow the final steps.
# Run ``gui/gm-editor df.historical_figure.find(<desired_histfig_id>).entity_links``. This is essentially where civ-level information on the unit's ``groups`` tab is stored. Use Alt+i to insert a new value; enter the type name ``histfig_entity_link_positionst`` when prompted. Once the value is created, open it. Enter ``desired_civ_id`` from step 4 as ``entity_id``, enter ``100`` for ``link_strength``, enter ``desired_position_assignment_id`` for ``assignment_id``. ``start_year`` is up to you; this is what legends will use to determine the date this character was elevated to a noble. The current year is the simplest option, though any year after the site's founding and where the desired noble is an adult will work fine.

Update '''as of v51.10-beta and DFHACK v51.10-beta2''', I was able to figure out a VERY EXPERIMENTAL way to do this when the fortress has never had a baron(ness) before:

# For step five my site had a ``position_profile_id`` of ``-1`` likely due to the lack of a previous baron. Into this I put a ``position_profile_id`` I made up (in case it matters I used ``8``). I made sure it wasn't in ``df.historical_entity.find(df.global.plotinfo.civ_id).positions.assignments`` because I don't believe a collision would be a good thing here.
# For step six I used alt+i and typed ``entity_position_assignment`` to add a new entry into the assignments list because my site did not have one. I filled in the ``id`` to be the ``position_profile_id`` I made up and the ``position_id`` to be the value retrieved in 3 for the ``code`` of the ``BARON`` position (``18`` in my case). Finally, I filled in `histfig` and `histfig2` with my dwarf's ``desired_histfig_id`` from step 2.
# I used my new ID I made for ``position_profile_id`` as the ``desired_position_assignment_id`` for the rest of the instructions. After the final step my dwarf was indeed the baroness of the fort! I have not tested whether all the related things (like caravans) work or not yet.

[[File:wood_wagon.jpg|thumb|400px|center|"Now to get another wagon for NON-alcohol items."]]

== Bugs ==
* Wagons can become "stuck" in obstacles.{{bug|5418}}
* Wagon pathing problems can result in caravan collisions.{{bug|5687}}
* It's possible for a dwarf to have a preference for "wagon wood".{{Bug|3676}}
* Wagons are listed as "deceased" after being scuttled.
* Wagon despawns, becoming listed as "Missing" and causing the caravan to flee.

== Trivia ==
*If you happen to be playing ''as'' a wagon (presumably through some clever [[modding]]) in Adventurer mode, you can receive a message that you have been scuttled.

{{gamedata}}
{{Creatures}}

Quantum stockpile

2024-08-05T23:54:01Z

Pixelpusher220: Adding labor specification for usage.

{{migrated article}}
{{Quality|Unrated}}
{{av}}

A '''quantum stockpile''' ('''QSP''') allows you to store an unlimited number of items in a single tile. QSPs can make for super efficient storage, allowing more compact fortresses, shorter hauling routes, more efficient manufacturing flows, and stocktaking at a glance with look {{K|k}}. Quantum stockpiles are considered to be an [[exploit]].

== Simple quantum stockpiles ==
The simplest QSP is created by designating a garbage dump [[activity zone]], dumping the items you want to store and then reclaiming them when you are ready to use them. If you place this garbage dump on top of an existing [[stockpile]], the dumped items will automatically be considered part of the stockpile, allowing the use of stockpile links to distribute the items to workshops or other stockpiles.

A similar effect may be achieved for stones by building a wall two tiles in front of a [[siege engine|catapult]] and digging a channel between the wall and catapult. By firing the catapult at the wall, the stone falls into the trench. The stone will pile up in the channel, putting it out of sight and out of mind. Not only does this train [[siege operator]]s, but it clears the stone that your [[miner]]s leave everywhere.

Another way to quantum stockpile is to not have appropriate stockpiles to move items back to after you move them to the trading depot. The depot can hold an infinite number of items, and those items will not be removed if there is nowhere else to place them. This is also useful for anything you want to trade anyway.

Despite using a [[minecart]], the [[Hauling]] labor required is determined by the [[Stockpile]] settings.

== The Minecart Stop ==
This method allows the type of items to be stored in the quantum stockpile to be completely controlled and to be as broad or specific as required. Collection of items is automatic with no user input required, just like a normal stockpile, and the number of haulers collecting for the stockpile is controlled by the size and number of feeder stockpiles. Distribution is also automatic, with dwarves coming to collect items as needed from the quantum stockpile, just like from a normal stockpile.

This can be utilized as part of a [[minecart]] transport system, or standalone with no tracks or moving minecarts whatsoever. The steps below are to create a standalone quantum stockpile, but the same general principles apply if used in a minecart transport system.

===Setup===
<diagram>
ffff f feeder stockpile
S S track stop, set to dump south
q q quantum stockpile
</diagram>

# First, '''pause the game'''. If you don't, the dwarves will try to use the quantum stockpile for their own purposes while you're setting things up, like assigning barrels or bins or dropping an unintended item, and then the QSP won't work. You should also have a [[minecart]] ready in your inventory.
# Build a track stop {{K|b}} - {{K|n}} - {{K|K}} , being sure to set the dumping direction {{K|d}}. You may leave the friction as-is. This can be adjusted later should the need arise; see [[Minecart#More_on_Track_stop|here]] for more information.
# Designate a 1x1 quantum stockpile {{K|p}} on the tile where the track stop will dump, then define preferences {{K|q}} to make the settings {{K|s}} store only what you want. Be sure to select zero [[barrel]]s {{K|E}}, [[bin]]s {{K|C}}, and [[wheelbarrow]]s {{K|w}}. At this stage your dwarves may store a single item in this stockpile; this does not affect functionality.
# Designate a feeder stockpile {{K|p}} near the the track stop.note 1 It can be any size, but the larger it is, the more dwarves will simultaneously collect items.note 2 Define the preferences {{K|q}} of this stockpile to be the same as the quantum stockpilenote 3, including zero barrels and bins, and with the possible exception of the number of wheelbarrows. If the QSP is for heavy items (e.g. loose stones), you may want to use wheelbarrows in the feeder stockpile to speed up collection.
## Even though the feeder stockpile can be anywhere in or out of the fort, it will be most efficient if it's positioned close to the track stop.
## Keep it a reasonable size. In case something goes wrong, you won't want to have to deal with 200 unwanted boulders.
## If you configure the feeder stockpile to accept more than one type of item within a category, such as [[Stone]] or [[Furniture]], several quantum stockpiles can be set up to draw from the one stockpile. As an example, Metal Ores can be sorted out to iron-, copper- and silver-bearing ores in separate QSPs.
# Construct a new hauling route pressing {{K|h}} then {{k|r}}, being sure to place the cursor over the target track stop. Naming {{K|n}} the route now will save a hassle with troubleshooting later. Press {{K|v}} to assign a vehicle (told you that you'd need one), then press {{K|s}} to define a new route stop on top of your track stop. Press {{K|Enter}} to define the stop. Press {{K|x}} to remove the default conditions, press {{K|s}} to create a stockpile link, then position the cursor over the feeder stockpile and press {{K|p}}. Press {{K|Enter}} again to configure the route stop settings to match the quantum stockpile settings. '''If using custom stockpile settings, make sure you don't turn off the additional options. If you do turn them off, things won't work.''' Press {{K|ESC}} several times to back out of the Routes menu back to the Main menu.

It's a little fiddly to initially set up, and if you miss any step it won't work at all, but once in operation it's an extremely efficient storage system, and scales easily with the size of your fortress, number of haulers and number of items to store.

===Drawbacks===
# This method cannot store any items in [[bin]]s or [[barrel]]s at all, including bolts.
# This method cannot store any type of [[drink]] (you will see your dwarves leave barrels and pots of alcohol all over the place), due to the fact that barrels assigned to stockpiles are marked to be put in specific stockpiles.
# [[Food]] stored using this method without barrels tends to attract [[vermin]], especially swarms of [[fly|flies]], since it can't be placed in barrels.
# This method works well for [[furniture]], [[wear|cast-off]] [[clothing]], [[metal]] and [[stone]]. A quantum minecart stop can be combined with some sort of [[garbage disposal]] mechanism to easily handle [[refuse]] and [[invader]]s' corpses.
# Note, however, that if your dwarves are under [[standing orders]] to ignore outdoor refuse (the default setting) they will also not load an outdoor refuse pile into the minecart.
# It has been observed that plant harvesting may be restricted by the number of empty valid stockpile spots. A larger receiving plant stockpile may be needed to get harvests done before the plants wither away.

== The Undump ==
This technique was [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=92241.0 developed] before minecarts were implemented. While still a valid method, it has been superseded by the Minecart Stop QSP which achieves the same result, is easier to set up and has fewer drawbacks.

===Setup===
<diagram>
H Hatch cover
===== ^ pressure plate, citizens trigger, linked to hatch
^sHs= = Wall
===== s Stockpile (same type)
</diagram>
The idea is that haulers try to place some item on the right stockpile, step on the pressure plate and make the hatch cover retract. This makes them cancel the hauling job because they can't reach the right stockpile. They then drop the item on the left stockpile, on top of as big of a pile as you want.

More information on this method can be found on the inventor's [[User:Vasiln/Undump|user page]].

===Drawbacks===
This design has the following drawbacks:
#It's slow, because the one target stockpile generates only one job at a time. If you have more than one target stockpile they create lag because of pathing issues. You probably want to keep your normal stockpiles and use the undump to clean them up slowly. At which point you could consider just using the normal quantum stockpile dumping. Or you build more undumps.
#Job cancellation spam. You can turn that off.
#Oftentimes, dwarves drop the item on top of the pressure plate instead of on the stockpile. A feeder stockpile just outside the undump helps here.
#You obviously need some materials to build it.
#You need to create an open space tile where the hatch cover is (channeling only leaves a ramp), which means digging in the level below.
#You want to set the pressure plate to the lowest minimum weight (10000, which gets a zero cut off and displays as 1000). This can get tedious, so getting a macro is advised.
#If your stockpile management is exceptional already, the undump may not be of as much use to you.
However, there is a multitude of potential applications that get discussed in [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=92241.0 this] thread.

{{Category|Stockpiles}}
[[ru:Quantum stockpile]]

Minecart

2024-08-05T23:43:19Z

Pixelpusher220: Add labor for Track Stop creation

{{Quality|Masterwork}}
{{av}}

[[File:minecart_sprite_preview.png|right]]A '''minecart''' is a [[tool]] intended for [[hauling]]. It can be made of [[wood]] at a [[carpenter's workshop]] or 2 bars of [[metal]] at a [[metalsmith's forge]] (using the [[Blacksmith|blacksmithing]] labor.) Minecarts store up to five times as many items as [[wheelbarrow]]s and are quite a bit faster than dwarves hauling objects by hand, but have the disadvantages of requiring a dedicated track network, a complex route planning phase, and the possibility of dwarves [[Fun|blundering into the path of carts filled with lead ore]]. Tracks may be carved into stone, or [[Construction|constructed]]; the latter allows above-ground routes, but these are more difficult to set up due to their additional [[building material|material requirements]].

Just like wheelbarrows, minecarts are considered [[item]]s and are stored in a [[furniture]] [[stockpile]]. Despite their five-times-greater capacity, they are only 33% larger than wheelbarrows (minecarts have a [[size]] of 40,000 cm³) and are identical in base [[item value|value]] when made from the same [[material]] (the value may differ due to the [[item quality]]). [[thief|Thieves]] or even mischievous animals can steal minecarts, even when they are moving on a track.{{cite forum|109460/3289070}} However, minecarts moving fast enough or being ridden cannot be stolen.

The invention of minecarts revolutionized the [[minecart logic|Science of Dwarfputing]] by enabling smaller, faster logic systems to be built.

== Basic Minecart Usage ==
[[File:Leitnagel Hund.png|thumb|Minecarts]]Minecarts can be used to swiftly transport dwarves, [[flow|fluids]], and/or large amounts of items, but before you have a functional minecart, there are several preconditions that need to be met. First of all, you need an actual minecart, constructed either in a [[carpenter's workshop]] or [[metalsmith's forge]]. For the minecart to be able to move, you also need to carve (with {{Menu icon|v|t}}) or construct (with {{Menu icon|b|n|k}}) a track, which could be as simple as a straight line. Finally, you need to construct stops on your track (with {{Menu icon|b|n|K}}) where the minecart will start and stop.

After you have created the stops and assigned a cart to the track, you must create logic routes connecting several stops and designate starting conditions for each stop by selecting the stops for the minecart, take note to designate the tiles where your minecart will physically stop. This is done with the {{Menu icon|H}} hauling key. The most basic conditions are how the cart's movement is initiated and in which direction the cart should start moving. Carts can be either pushed (a dwarf stands at a stop and gives the cart a single push) or guided (a dwarf continually pushes the cart forward, guiding it along the track). The [[hauling]] [[labor]] required for pushing and guiding carts is called "Push/Haul Vehicles" and is turned on by default.

To control which items are to be transported, you can add conditions specifying: (1) which kind of items are to be loaded and unloaded, (2) stockpile links to define which stockpile(s) the items should be un/loaded to and from.

===Capacity and weights ===
Minecarts have a [[Size|capacity]] of 500,000 cm³ – five times the capacity of [[wheelbarrow]]s.

'''Examples of the capacity of one cart'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item
! Amount
|-
| [[stone]]
| 5
|-
| [[wood|log]]
| 10
|-
| [[block]]/[[bar]]
| 83
|-
| minecarts
| 12
|-
| [[Kitchen|prepared meals]]
| 500
|-
| [[Trap_component#Spiked_ball|spiked balls]]
| 500
|-
| [[Sand]] [[bags]]
| 500
|-
| [[Weapon#Native_weapons|mace]]
| 625
|-
| [[Weapon#Native_weapons|spears]]
| 1250
|-
| [[cloth]]
| 2500
|}

The weight of the loaded minecart does not affect the initial velocity received from pushing or launching from a roller.{{bug|6296}} However, the load of a minecart ''does'' affect whether a [[pressure plate]] triggers or not, based on the pressure plate's setting.

'''Weights of different carts'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Type of cart
! Empty cart
! Fully loaded (items)
|-
| oaken minecart
| 28Γ
| 378Γ (10 oak logs)
|-
| iron minecart
| 314Γ
| 1698Γ (83 marble blocks)
|-
|-
| copper minecart
| 357Γ
| 1682Γ (10 obsidian boulders)
|-
| platinum minecart
| 856Γ
| 10482Γ (83 gold bars)
|}

The weight of a minecart is one twenty-fifth (1/25) the [[density]] of its material in Urists. Because pressure plates can be set to trigger at intervals of 50 Urists, minecarts with weights just under a multiple of 50 are ideal for switching based on whether they're full or empty. The best minecart materials for full/empty switching are as follows:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Material !! Minecart weight !! Content weight required to trigger !! Banana roasts required to trigger (for scale)
|-
| [[Glumprong]] || 48 || 2 || 4
|-
| [[Electrum]] || 596 || 4 || 7
|-
| [[Nickel silver]] || 346 || 4 || 7
|-
| [[Brass]] || 342 || 8 || 14
|-
| [[Bismuth]] ([[Strange mood|moods]] only) || 391 || 9 || 15
|-
| [[Fine pewter]] || 291 || 9 || 15
|-
| [[Lay pewter]] || 291 || 9 || 15
|-
| [[Tin]] || 291 || 9 || 15
|-
| [[Trifle pewter]] || 291 || 9 || 15
|}

{{anchor|Tracks}}

=== Creating tracks ===
[[File:minecart_ride_anim.gif|thumb|200px|right|A dwarf riding a minecart from a higher level.]]Minecart tracks are made up of contiguous track, tracked ramp, or bridge tiles. Track tiles and tracked ramp tiles have a direction or series of directions associated with them. These directions dictate which directions a minecart on a given tile may move from that tile. For example, a Track NE (northeast) tile allows a minecart on it to move either north or east from its present position. Therefore, if you want your minecart to move east along a straight piece of track, then return west using that same track, you would need to use EW tracks so that the cart could travel east initially, then return west over the same track. Excluding designs in which the cart will "jump" tracks via a drop or other ramp, tracks must be valid end to end to work for most looped or straight-track applications. A single east only track tile in your line of east-west tracks will cause any route using the track to fail the moment it tries to go the wrong way over that tile. Minecart tracks can be built in two ways: Engraved/carved or constructed. A given minecart track need not use engraved or constructed elements exclusively, as the two methods can be used interchangeably depending on the needs of a given section of track. The way the tracks are built is slightly different between the two, as explained below.

====Simple tracks====

'''Carved'''

A single-tile wide strip of natural stone can be designated to be [[Engraver|carved]] (with {{menu icon|v|t}}), which will create a straight two-way track. The creation of corners, crossings, and T-junctions is as simple as designating another strip of track that overlaps an existent or newly designated track. Engraved tracks are removed by [[smoothing]] the rock they're on, which results in a smooth floor (that can be re-engraved if necessary), or by building a [[floor]] on top and subsequently removing it. Dwarves can carve corner tracks in one pass by designating the track carving twice and canceling unwanted carvings (with {{K|d}} {{K|x}}). Tracks can be engraved in any natural floor tile, rough, smooth and even over engravings, providing an easy method to remove low-quality or undesired floor engravings. Once a track has been engraved, it's important to check the track directions for each tile in the route carefully to make sure no mistakes were made by yourself or the game's track engraving logic.

'''Constructed'''

Tracks can also be built as regular [[construction]]s (through {{menu icon|b|n|k}}. This method is resource-expensive, since each track tile requires one stone, [[bar]], or [[block]] for construction. Corners, crossings, T-junctions, and ramps also have to be designated individually. However, it is usually the only way to build tracks above ground or on soil (barring the [[Obsidian farming|creation of obsidian]]). Constructed tracks are designated for removal like any regular construction; be aware that removing track ramps built on top of natural ones will also remove the original ramp, leaving a flat floor.

====Ramps====

'''Carved'''

The carving of natural ramps is a little more confusing: to carve a two-way track on a ramp (natural only, does not work on constructed ramps), you must designate the track '''starting on the ramp and one square beyond''' in the direction you want the track to go. For the side of the ramp square you want to head upward, there '''must''' be either a natural or constructed wall in the square next to it, otherwise the game assumes you are trying to carve it on the same level – this can result in the track being carved underneath a door or other object. If you have accidentally done this, you can correct it by smoothing the ramp and constructing a single square of wall next to it, then re-carving the ramp correctly, however, the wall must stay there permanently — removing it will disconnect the track.

'''Constructed'''

The track and ramp must be constructed together as a Track/Ramp from the construct track menu ({{K|b}} {{K|C}} {{K|T}}). When constructing track ramps, the stated direction should be the same as the connected tracks. For example, a track going up from West to East would require, starting from the West, a Track (EW), a Track/Ramp (EW) and a Wall behind the ramp, underneath the section of track above it. Incorrectly placed ramps result in minecarts ignoring the ramp and crashing into the supporting wall. They will not, however, display as unusable as when the supporting wall is missing.

'''Examples of ramps'''

A simple ramp would look like this:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z +0 z +1
░░░░ ░░░░
═▲o ░▼═
░░░░ ░░░░
o : wall
}}

Carving track corners into ramps is rather unintuitive and complicated. Since engraving tracks always requires two tiles to connect in a straight line as input, you have to give two separate designations for a single job: a track bit from the ramp tile to the "below" direction and another one to the wall of the "upward" direction. If you wanted to change direction on a ramp from east to north:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z +0 z +1
░░░░░ ░░░░░
░░░░░ ══╗░░
══▲░░ ░░▼░░
░░░░░ ░░░░░
}}

you would need to connect the ramp on z +0 both to the west and to the north by issuing two "carve track" commands, one selecting the ramp and the track tile to the west, and another connecting the ramp tile with the wall to the north. An engraver would then carve a NW track corner into the ramp, allowing carts to pass the corner correctly both going up and down. Such track corners are perfectly serviceable for guided carts, but moving down a route of several of them by pushed or ridden cart is problematic - ramps on corners behave very counter-intuitively, resulting in loss of speed when going down and diagonal movement when going up.

Moving to and from ramps (or between ramps "pointing" in different directions) causes some non-trivial adjustments to speed and even moving along the tiles at a fixed speed ''unrelated to the entry/exit velocity values'', because transitions to/from ramps are processed differently and are not to be "skipped". This affects compact track/ramp combinations (such as e.g. a simple 2x2 ramp spiral) most, and combined with bouncing often makes them work not in the way one could expect. {{cite forum|144328/5705102}}

=== Hauling route ===
A hauling route is a list of directions describing how and under what conditions a minecart will move. The proper setting up of routes is essential for a working rail system. Routes, stops, departure conditions and stockpile links are managed from the {{k|h}}auling menu.

==== Route ====
A route defines the path a minecart will take along a track, as well as under what conditions it will move or stop moving. A route is made up of stops. Stops are precisely what they sound like, a position on the track at which you want a minecart to stop. A minecart track might use as little as a single stop for a looped track, which will serve as both a starting and stopping point for the cart, or it could contain many stops, perhaps to load supplies or wait for a bridge to be manually lowered, before reaching its destination or returning to its starting point. It is important to note that you only need to place stops on a route where you actually want the cart to stop and wait for some action to occur. They are not needed to help navigate the cart along the track beyond telling it where on the track to stop.

New routes are created with the {{k|h}}auling key. Existing ones can be removed (without confirmation) with the {{k|x}} key, and also {{k|n}}icknamed. Before operating, the route must have a {{k|v}}ehicle assigned to it (this can be done with either the route or a stop selected). Assigning a full minecart to a route may result in a slow hauling job if the contents are heavy.

==== Stops ====
Stops are the individual waypoints that make up a hauling route. A given stop consists of the location of a tile, as well as conditions describing when, where, and how a cart should be moved after being stopped at that tile. Stops can be created from within the {{k|h}}auling menu, by placing the cursor over a tile and hitting {{k|s}} while highlighting the route (or a stop within) you've already designated. A minecart will begin its route at the first stop created, and continue through each subsequent stop, being guided, pushed, or ridden from each stop to the next depending on the conditions specified. In many basic minecart applications, the cart will end up at the same stop it began at, though this is not always the case. It is important to note that hauling stop order is enforced, even if there is no track. A dwarf will drag the cart overland back to a skipped stop in the route's list if your tracks bypass it somehow, including if the minecart does not stop on the stop after it is pushed/ridden.

Once a stop has been placed, it is given a default set of conditions under which to move the minecart if it is stopped there. Each new stop gets the same default conditions regardless of the track it is placed upon (e.g. guide the cart to the north). For this reason new stops might get marked by yellow exclamation marks ({{DFtext|!|#ff0}}) due to invalid directions. One important thing to note is that as you place additional stops, the display will show paths between the stops you have defined. However, this is '''not''' necessarily the actual route the minecart will take once the route is in operation. For example, if a route were defined with two stops at opposite ends of a track with many twists and turns, a line will be drawn directly between those stops to show the order in which they will be visited. These route lines may crisscross all over the tracks, but so long as the track is valid end to end, the cart will follow the track from one stop to the next, even across twists, turns, and z-level changes. Route stops, which are the steps that make up a route, should not be confused with physical Track Stops, described below.

Note that setting a stop on a sloped track may cause the minecart to roll away, preventing it from being properly loaded.

===== Stockpile links =====
By placing the cursor on top of a stockpile and using {{k|s}}, you can create stockpile links while defining a hauling stop. Links can also be redefined by selecting them, placing the cursor over a different stockpile, and pressing {{k|p}}. The cart will then be filled by items present in its various linked stockpiles in preference to other items. Note that bins should be used with caution in stockpiles that are linked to minecarts. Bins cause problems when used with the "Desired Items" list in a stop's conditions. For example, if a minecart is set to accept only granite blocks, and to depart north when it is 100% full of granite blocks, it will not depart if any of those granite blocks are in bins, even if bins are also included in the desired items list. Two solutions to this problem exist as of v0.40.24. First, bins can be disallowed in stockpiles that are linked to stops. Alternatively, bins '''can''' be used in conjunction with minecarts provided that the minecart's departure conditions use only "any items" instead of "desired items." This option can be toggled in the advanced conditions menu for a stop, accessible via the {{key|C|}} key. The cart's contents can still be controlled by specifying what items are allowed in the linked stockpile.

===== Departure condition =====
Departure conditions involve setting conditions in which the minecart will leave on the route. Each condition includes:
# A departure mode (Guide, Ride or Push).
# An initial departure direction (NSEW). Note that this defines the initial direction of movement only. Even if a track includes many turns, as long as the initial movement direction is valid the cart will follow the minecart track thereafter.
# A timer, before which the departure condition cannot be met.
# Conditions on the amount of items in the cart.
Departure conditions are created with the {{k|n}} key. A new departure condition will read: "guide north immediately when empty of desired items". This condition can be changed between basic presets with {{k|c}}. "Advanced" mode ({{k|C}}) allows for more precise control over departure conditions: fine tuning the percentage from 0 to 100 in 25% steps ({{k|f}} and {{k|F}}), switching it being either the maximum or the minimum amount of items for the condition to be met ({{k|m}}), and whether the cart accepts all or only a specific set of items ({{k|l}}). Common to both screens are the departure mode ({{k|p}}, Push, Ride or Guide), {{k|d}}irection, and timer ({{k|t}} and {{k|T}}) options.

To have a cart only carry a specific set of items, the stop can be set to only carry "desired" items, opening the selection screen with the {{k|Enter}} key while having said stop condition selected, and toggling as desired, or it can simply be linked to a stockpile and set to depart once it is full of items from its linked stockpiles, regardless of type.

=== Track Stops ===
A Track Stop, not to be confused with a route stop, is an optional, single-tile construction which serves two purposes. First, it can be used to cancel a cart's momentum in order to slow or stop it as it passes over the Track Stop. This might be necessary if a cart were pushed down a series of ramps to its destination. Second, a Track Stop can cause a cart to automatically dump its contents as it passes over the Track Stop. Track Stops are constructed via {{menu icon|b|n|K}}, and must be constructed atop an existing piece of track. If a Track Stop has been set to automatically dump a cart's contents, the cart will dump its contents in the direction indicated when it passes over the Track Stop. Depending on the friction settings chosen for the Track Stop, the cart might then stop after dumping, or it might continue on its route to another destination.

Track Stops are not mandatory; in fact, their main use is in automated rail systems. However, even in basic rail systems it can be useful to set a Track Stop to dump items: this saves time that dwarves would otherwise spend in removing items from the cart, time that is better spent driving the cart back to where it's needed. Dumping will occur even with a guided cart. '''Take care not to set Track Stops at a loading site to dump their contents''', or dwarves will never be able to fill the cart. It will dump any contents the moment they are loaded.

Track Stops are constructed using the [[Mechanic]] labor.

* See [[#More_on_Track_stop |More on Track Stops]]

=== Step-by-step tutorial ===

Let's construct a simple minecart route. This route will move stone blocks from an input stockpile to an output stockpile. We'll begin by creating the stockpiles:

[[File:minecart-example-1-v50.03.png|200px|Stockpiles designated.]]

The input stockpile is on the left; the output stockpile is on the right. We'll be moving blocks from left to right. Disable bins in both stockpiles, and set the input stockpile to accept only from links. Then make the stockpile take from the mason's workshop where the blocks are being produced.

Next, carve the track:

[[File:minecart-example-2-v50.03.png|200px|Track carving designation.]]

Note that the ends of the designation are uniquely shaped; this is automatic, and not anything you need to control. Now, wait for your engravers to come along and carve the track into the stone. (Your haulers will probably also fill up the input stockpile while you wait.)

In addition, while we're waiting for that to happen, we'll build an iron minecart in the forge.

[[File:minecart-example-3-v50.03.png|200px|Track carved.]]

When the track has been carved, it will look like the above (the track will be solid instead of flashing). Now, order a track stop to be constructed (Under "Constructions") next to the output stockpile:

{|
| [[File:minecart-example-4-v50.03.png|200px|Track stop designation.]]
| [[File:minecart-example-5-v50.03.png|200px|Select dumping direction.]]
|}

You must select the dumping direction ''before'' placing the track stop. We want our blocks to be dumped into the output stockpile east of the track stop. Then wait for a mechanic to come along and build the track stop.

[[File:minecart-example-6-v50.03.png|200px|Track stop constructed.]]

Now we'll define the actual ''route''. This is done in the {{k|H}}auling menu. Press 'Add New Route' to begin defining a route. Select 'Add a stop' then click the track next to the input stockpile:

{|
| [[File:minecart-example-7-v50.03.png|200px|Route definition, in progress.]]
| [[File:minecart-example-8-v50.03.png|400px|Route definition, in progress.]]
|}

Select 'Add a stop' again then click the stop next to the output stockpile define the second stop:

{|
| [[File:minecart-example-9-v50.03.png|200px|Stop 2 designation.]]
| [[File:minecart-example-10-v50.03.png|400px|Route definition, two stops.]]
|}

At this point, the route has been positioned, but they haven't been ''defined'' yet.

Click the Minecart icon for the route (not the stop) and assign a minecart to the route.

Select the minecart icon for the first stop to select what items will be hauled to the minecart. By default no items will be hauled to the minecart. As we've set the input stockpile to only take blocks from the workshop, you can either set to to accept blocks, or set it to accept all items.

Click the stockpile icon for the first stop, select the "take from" icon (middle button) and select the input stockpile.

[[File:minecart-example-11-v50.03.png|350px|Set the stockpile.]]

Select the Conditions button ('''<>=≠''') for the first stop and check out the defaults. For the first stop, these are largely fine however you should change the direction button for all the conditions so the minecart goes the correct direction when it's ready.

[[File:minecart-example-11.1-v50.03.png|350px|Set the direction.]]

Select Conditions for the second stop. These need to be changed so the minecart is returned to the start immediately. Erase the bottom two conditions, change the direction to point back to the stop, and then finally click the '''>=''' button so it changes to '''<='''. This will make it so the cart is returned regardless of how full it is (which is good, as it'll always be empty!)

[[File:minecart-example-11.2-v50.03.png|350px|Fix the conditions for the second stop.]]

Once the minecart is in place, dwarves should fill it with blocks from the input stockpile, which will in turn be filled with blocks from the workshop where your mason has been toiling dutifully. When the minecart is full, the blocks will be dumped into the 1x1 stockpile on the right. Automatic quantum dumping!

If the route has any issues, you'll see a red ! on the minecart in the route screen. Be aware that this appears initially until the minecart is put in place. If your route is correctly set up, your dwarves carry items to the cart and the percentage will change on the route screen.

{|
| [[File:minecart-example-12-v50.03.png|frame|Route with an issue.]]
| [[File:minecart-example-13-v50.03.png|frame|Cart correctly getting filled up.]]
|}

=== Troubleshooting ===

Because of the complexity of the system, all but the most careful and experienced minecart users will encounter issues. Most route issues can be diagnosed and fixed from the {{k|H}}auling menu.

'''Symptom:''' {{DFtext|! Set dir/connect track|6:1}} message appears to the right of one or more stops

:;Possible Causes:
:* Game cannot find a path for ''guiding'' the cart without carrying. The game checks for haul route validity assuming the cart will be guided. This warning will be shown when the path crosses impassable tiles, requires a dwarf to carry the cart, or is not fully guidable.
:** If your cart path relies upon advanced tricks like deliberate falling into pits or ignoring floor types, even a path designed entirely as you intended will still trigger the yellow warning. If the route is working as intended, you can safely ignore this warning.
:* Invalid departure direction in one or more conditions for the stop. Edit the stop using {{k|Enter}} and press{{k|d}} until it is pointing in a valid direction.
:* Track stop built on trackless tile. Track stops must be built on tiles where tracks already exist to be usable.
:* Discontinuous track. If the route indicator seems to draw between your first and last stop, this is the cause. Make sure destinations are linked by track to both directions, and that there are no sneaky gaps in the tracks.
:** ''Ramps''' are notorious for their finicky use. It is recommended to check every ramp to confirm no unintended one-way ramps remain.
:** To carve a two-way track on a (natural) ramp, you must designate the ramp ''and one square beyond'' in the direction you want the track to go.
:** Ramps '''must''' have a solid wall on the side opposite to the track ("behind" the ramp), or they will neither work nor be marked as "unusable". The wall can be natural or constructed.
:* Discrepancies in desired/kept item configurations.

'''Symptom:''' The status '''0% V''' always appears to the right of one stop.

:;Possible Causes:
:* Stop not set to take from a stockpile. Edit the Stop using {{k|Enter}} and make sure you see a message like "Take from Stockpile #1".
:* Take conditions and stockpile contents do not overlap.
:* Track stop is set to dump. A track stop set to dump cannot be filled. You must either set the stop to a time-based departure or deconstruct the track stop and rebuild it without dumping. (Alternatively, with [[DFHack]] you can modify "Dump on arrival" to "No" using the {{key|q}} menu without rebuilding the stop.)
:* Minecart itself is designated to be dumped (such as when using mass-dump).

'''Symptom:''' Dwarves fill the minecart properly, but will not move it thereafter.

:;Possible Causes:
:* Minecart contains items not listed as desired on its current stop. Check minecart contents using the {{key|k}} and {{key|z}} keys and ensure that all items in the cart are desired items.
:* Minecart contain desired items ''in bins''. Minecarts seem to have problems realizing that they are in fact full of desired items if some of those items are in bins, even if bins are also among the desired items for that stop. '''This cannot be solved by adding the appropriate bins to the stop's desired items.''' Either disallow bins in stockpiles you intend to load minecarts from, or set the departure conditions to rely only on percentage of total load rather than percentage of desired items using the advanced conditions menu ({{key|C}} key).

'''Symptom:''' Dwarves repeatedly attempt to load the minecart, but no items are ever loaded into it.

:;Possible Causes:
:* Track Stop set to dump used as a loading site. Every time a dwarf places an item into a cart resting on such a track stop, the item will be immediately dumped, causing unlimited, useless cart loading jobs. Autodumping Track Stops should never be used at a loading site.

'''Symptom:''' A dwarf picks up the minecart and carries it to its destination.
:* See [[#Quirks|Quirks]]

=== Danger ===
Minecarts are not without <strike>danger</strike> [[fun]]. Although designating a track automatically sets the [[traffic]] designation to low, dwarves ''may'' still walk on them, and [[creature]]s ignore traffic designations altogether. If an unlucky dwarf or creature fails to [[dodger|dodge]] a minecart, they can be injured. Most of this danger can be avoided by setting the minecart {{k|h}}auling commands to guide instead of push or ride (dwarves guiding minecarts will ignore traffic restrictions), as well as by [[pasture|pasturing]] domestic animals and preventing the access of other creatures to the tracks. Note that removing the track doesn't reset that tile back to normal traffic priority, so you may wish to manually clean up traffic designation afterward. Also note that bridges that are used as tracks don't have their traffic priority changed automatically (since they're just normal bridges), which could cause dwarves to pathfind normally through dangerous minecart entrances in your fort's walls if you're not careful.

The only <s>fool</s>''dwarf''-proof method is to make the tracks inaccessible. There are several ways to create a track which works for minecarts but doesn't allow creature-traversal; the simplest is perhaps building a [[statue]] on the tracks. Other options include adding single-tile holes (minecarts moving at reasonable speed will jump the gap), vertical drops, minecart-triggered doors, small pools of liquid (4/7 water or 2/7 magma), and hostile creatures overlooking the tracks. For safety, both ends of the track should be isolated, making the dangerous center sections completely inaccessible (though maintenance access can be provided by a locked door).

Danger does not always involve living victims: careless route designation can also result in minecarts careening off tracks or colliding with each other. If this occurs, the [[item]]s may be scattered; this can cause even more hauling jobs than the minecart aimed to eliminate. Even <s>better</s> worse, scattered items, especially [[weapon]]s, can injure passing [[dwarf|dwarves]] or other [[creature]]s; in the words of Toady One the Great, "Accidental grapeshotting of the dining room should be possible now."

Of course, the danger of using minecarts means they can also be [[Trap_design#Minecarts|used as weapons]] by imaginative players.

== Advanced usage and automation ==
Minecart-specific effects are implemented via track stops, rollers and [[pressure plate]]s with "track" condition set. Since all three are considered [[building]]s, they can't be built on the same square (however convenient track stop + pressure plate would be) nor a simple ramp, and are removed by {{k|q}} {{k|x}}.

=== More on Track stop ===
Track stops are constructions that allow further automation of minecart systems via adjustable features such as braking by friction and automatic dumping of contents. They can be built from logs, bars and blocks through {{K|b}} {{K|C}} {{K|S}}; friction amount, dumping toggle and dumping direction must be set '''before''' construction, and these settings can be neither changed nor seen thereafter; however, track stops can be linked to [[pressure plate]]s or [[lever]]s to toggle friction and dumping On or Off (trigger state is inverted: switch On = track stop Off). In thoughts screen, dwarves will admire track stops as traps.

If a [[stockpile]] is placed on the tile that a track stop is set to dump to, it can act as a [[Exploit#Quantum_stockpiles|quantum stockpile]] and any items dumped from a minecart that match the storage settings of the stockpile will remain there and accumulate. Normally track stops are built on top of existing track to operate on moving minecarts, but they can also be used without tracks to create [[Quantum_stockpile#The_Minecart_Stop|automatic quantum stockpiles]] (see also [[#Step-by-step_tutorial|step-by-step tutorial]]). It is not always desirable to collect ALL of certain items into one quantum stockpile, such as when distributing a material to multiple separate industries. You can link your quantum stockpile to various other stockpiles, ensuring that your dwarves will keep them supplied as necessary. Because quantum stockpiles never fill up like regular stockpiles, it may be a good idea to add a switch to turn them off.

Items dumped from a minecart at a track stop (or dumped by any other means) into open space fall through z-levels until they land on a solid surface. Items falling onto a designated [[stockpile]] will automatically be considered part of that stockpile, even if the stockpile is set to disallow those items (they will, however, be automatically moved to a more appropriate stockpile, if available). Items falling on top of a minecart will '''not''' fall "inside" the minecart. Use with caution; dwarves have fragile skulls.{{bug|5945}}

=== Automated propulsion ===
==== Roller ====
{{Main|Roller}}

A '''roller''' is a [[power]]ed [[machine component]] for the automated propulsion of minecarts. They are built over the top of existing tracks with {{K|b|M|r}}, requiring a [[mechanic]], ''(length/4)+1'' [[mechanism]]s and a [[rope]]. Rollers may also be placed directly on ramps to help pull carts up Z levels. Rollers are very useful to maintain a cart's momentum along long routes, to get them to climb Z-levels without dwarfpower involved, and to get them to reach speeds unattainable by guiding dwarves. These devices are variable-length (1-10), variable-direction and variable-speed ([[Minecart#Numbers_behind_the_scene|see below]]), all traits that can be set at construction time; a roller uses two units of power per tile it is long.

Single-tile rollers transfer power in all four cardinal directions, while other rollers generally only transfer power perpendicular to their activity direction. Longer rollers can also transfer power along their activity direction if built in the correct order, although this can be hard to accomplish and is easily broken. Rollers cannot be powered from above.

Rollers have great acceleration and capped speed. Carts going faster than the roller are unaffected. If a cart moves across an active roller in the direction the roller works and moves slower than the roller's specified speed, the cart will be set to the roller's speed. A cart going against a roller's movement direction will be sent back the way it came (once again at the roller's speed), unless it was moving extremely fast: speed increment of 100000 allows to reverse carts from the full "highest" (50000) speed roller to full "highest" speed back, but ramps can accelerate a cart beyond this. {{cite forum|144328/5702453}}
A cart crossing over a roller perpendicular to its current movement direction will gain the roller's amount of speed in the perpendicular direction without directly changing its forward motion. Without an adjacent wall to constrict its movement, this will typically send a cart off the rails on a diagonal path, completely unable to follow any tracks until it collides with a wall or is otherwise brought to rest. However, if the roller is placed over a track turn and pushes ''from'' the direction of that turn's track, the turn affects carts ''after'' the roller, so they will be forced into the turn rather than derailed in a diagonal direction. {{cite forum|144328/5702453}}

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
tracks: full:
║ ║
═╗═ ═╢═
║ ║

╢ : roller pushing from W to E
}}
If the roller is powered, carts from ''all'' directions (unless too fast) exit S, because speed imparted by the roller forces carts toward E and ''then'' into the turn.
If not powered, carts from W and N exit S, carts from E and S exit W. Carts above derail speed will ignore the turn, of course.

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
║ ║
═╗═ ═╟═
║ ║

╟ : Roller pushing from E to W
}}
Carts from the E or W: exit W.
Carts from N: derailed diagonally, exit SW.
Carts from S: derailed diagonally, exit NW.

Rollers affects carts on a track - if placed on a floor or ramp without any tracks, they are ignored. Depowered rollers are also ignored, friction is determined by the tiles underneath.

Because of their one-way nature, rollers are unsuitable for most two-way minecart tracks (unless you set gears toggling roller A->B off while toggling A<-B rollers on). However, a minecart set to be ''guided'' is not affected by rollers at all{{cite forum|109460/3286235}} — this allows a one-way track to be used in both directions. In addition, unpowered rollers do not affect minecarts.

Care must be taken in [[glacier]]s and other extremely cold [[biome]]s, since rollers (and the machinery used to power them) will not operate when constructed on natural [[ice]] floors.

==== Impulse ramps ====
Carts can be given momentum without rollers or changing z-level by exploiting a design oversight in a phenomenon called "impulse ramps". A track ramp which has at least one wall/fortification and exactly one other connection will ''always'' accelerate a cart towards the other connection, no matter where the cart enters the tile from. This means carts can be accelerated even if the cart doesn't actually change z-level at all; ramps don't actually impart any downward velocity even when making cart descend. If a track ramp faces three directions such as ╩, then two of those directions need to be facing walls for the cart to be accelerated towards the remaining direction.

Example of straight impulse acceleration:

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
═▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲▲═ ═╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚╚═
▒ : Wall
═ : Normal track
▲/╚ : N/E Track/Ramp
}}

If a cart enters from the left, it will speed up on every track/ramp and exit to the right going very very fast—more than one tile every step. If it enters from the right, then it will bounce back impulsed by the ramp if it's going slow enough.

As another oddity, carts coming from ramps will in some cases "teleport" through most of the next tile. This is called the "checkpoint effect", and is explained in detail in the Physics section, below. This negates the deceleration of the next tile if it is a ramp "angled" in a different direction. You can just make an upward spiral alternating impulse ramps and regular upward ramps. It takes no power, is quick and cheap to build, requiring only channeling and track carving, and the cart goes up fast, but not so fast that it launches its contents.

Examples of impulse elevators:

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z +0 z +1 z +2 z +3
░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░
░╔░░░ ░▼╚╗░ ░░▼▼░ ░░░░░
░╝░░░ ░▼░░░ ░░░╔░ ░░░▼░
░▼▼░░ ░░░░░ ░░░╝░ ░╚╗▼░
░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░

z +0 z +1 z +2 z +3 z +4 z +5 z +6 z +7 z +8 z +9
░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░
░▼░░ ░░╗░ ░╔▼░ ░▼░░ ░░░░ ░╔╝░ ░▼▼░ ░░░░ ░░╗░ ░╔▼░
░╔╝░ ░▼▼░ ░░░░ ░╚░░ ░▼╝░ ░░▼░ ░╚░░ ░▼╝░ ░░▼░ ░░░░
░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░

░ : Wall
╔,╚,╗,╝ : Track/Ramp
▼ : Down Ramp (empty space)
}}

Note that these impulse elevators, due to the checkpoint effect and upward curved ramp effect, will not actually result in carts traveling straight up the ramp. They will lose speed, bounce off a ramp, then be accelerated back into the spiral after a 9-turn delay on both tiles on the floor where they are stopped. This is because the checkpoint effect allows carts to travel up the ramps in a single turn, but also prevents the impulse ramps from adding acceleration unless the cart is slowed to staying on the ramp for more than one turn. Initial acceleration will carry the cart up a variable number of floors before this effect occurs, but this bouncing back and forth will occur every 5 z-levels after the first time the cart stops. When the cart ''is'' traveling upwards, it will pass every tile at a rate of one tile per turn regardless of its actual speed, due to the checkpoint effect. In tracks with only a single cart, this is negligible, but when multiple carts are on the same track (such as when you place multiple carts on a magma cart lift) this can cause collisions which derail carts, or cause other unexpected or undesired behaviors.

The following impulse ramp (while larger) should alleviate these problems by using a straight ramp to go upwards, preceded by an impulse ramp to exploit the checkpoint effect and negate up ramp costs. Corners still decelerate carts, so the cart will tend towards a velocity of 72k, which is above derail speed. Derail speed breaks (see Controlling Speed, below) may be necessary at the top.

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z +0 z +1 z +2 z +3
░░░░░░ ░░░░░░ ░░░░░░ ░░░░░░
░░░░░░ ░╔╔═░░ ░░▼▼╗░ ░░░░░░
░║░░░░ ░▼░░░░ ░░░░╗░ ░░░░▼░
░╚░░░░ ░▼░░░░ ░░░░║░ ░░░░▼░
░╚▼▼░░ ░░░░░░ ░░░░░░ ░░═╝╝░
░░░░░░ ░░░░░░ ░░░░░░ ░░░░░░

░ : Wall
║,═,╔,╚,╗,╝ : Track/Ramp
▼ : Down Ramp (empty space)
}}

Also, if you want to have a cart following a below-derail speed, the following track works well:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z +0 z +1 z +2 z +3
░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░
░░░░░ ░══░░ ░▼▼║░ ░░░▼░
░║░░░ ░▼░░░ ░░░║░ ░░░▼░
░║▼▼░ ░▼░░░ ░░░░░ ░░══░
░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░

░ : Wall
║,═ : Track/Ramp
▼ : Down Ramp (empty space)
}}
In this elevator, the cart collides with the walls in the corners, but then realigns on the ramp, picks up speed, checkpoints through the next ramp, and slams into the next wall. It is slower (10 ticks per floor) but produces reliable speeds, and will exit the impulse elevator at little more than push speeds.

A sort of opposite effect to impulse ramps also exists: ramps lacking the proper "up" and "down" connections are treated as flat track, even if they actually go up or down z-levels. This allows building "anti-impulse" slopes consisting entirely of ramps only connected up, which a minecart can travel up forty levels and more, needing no more than a single push.

=== Controlling traffic ===

==== Switching ====

As tracks are constructions or tile features, [[door]]s and other furniture can be built on them. A [[door]] or [[floodgate]] can be turned on or off by a [[lever]], effectively controlling the flow of automated minecarts. This may be <s>dangerous</s> [[fun]], however.
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
->
A ════┤≡════ B
┤ : roller pushing to East
≡ : door
}}
The roller pushes the cart east, but until the "departure condition" is fulfilled, the door remains closed and blocks the path.

[[Bridge]]s can also act as tracks, but only if they're lowered or not retracted. This property can enable levers to turn tracks on and off. However, care should be taken to ensure that such bridges are never operated while a cart is on top of them, as the cart will be flung off the track. It's worth noting that it's often faster, and cheaper, to construct large bridges than long sections of constructed track.

A powered track switch can be constructed by building an "inverted" corner as illustrated below.
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
B B
║ -> ║
║ ║
════╚═══ ════├════
A C A C
├ : roller pushing to West.
}}

If the cart is pushed East from the stop at 'A' while the roller is activated, it will arrive at 'B'. If the roller is not running, it will arrive at 'C'. The switch works by the roller first reversing the incoming cart's movement and the cart ''then'' following the track corner.

This switch is very reliable, reacts instantly to on/off signals, and carts of any speed can be switched by this design, although very fast carts will require rollers that are several tiles long, up to three. The requirement for power can be inconvenient or impractical. Non-powered solutions may use controlled derailment, or a connecting bridge.
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
B ╥
║
║
╞════╝ ════╡
A D C
}}
Here the track between A and C is not continuous. The only continuous track is A->B, with a corner (not a T section). Fast moving carts will tend to derail at D and rejoin the track to C. Placing a door at D will prevent the derailment, so the cart continues to B. The door is operated by mechanisms elsewhere (typically, a lever, but some fun can be had with pressure plates).

Since it depends on derailing, this switch requires a very fast cart, faster than what can be achieved with rollers alone. To gain sufficient speed, a cart must be accelerated further, usually by descending several levels or through impulse ramps. The high speed makes the cart much more dangerous and harder to control.

If carts are moving too slowly to derail at the corner, a retractable bridge may be used as a connector between A and C.
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
B╥
║
║
A╞════bbb════╡C
}}
The bridge must overlap the corner. Bridges behave like a track crossing, allowing carts to pass in a straight line. When retracted, the corner reappears, so the carts will continue to B. Bridges take 100 steps to react to a signal, necessitating rather long "lead times" when switching tracks via bridge.

As mentioned above, special care must be taken to make sure the bridge doesn't change state while the cart is passing over it. Retracting bridges will throw the cart, causing it to stop dead. Raising bridges can even crush the cart.

==== Controlling Speed ====


Minecarts can reach extremely high speeds, especially when descending multiple Z-levels. A minecart will derail at a track corner if its speed exceeds 0.5 t/st (tiles per step), '''unless''' the route in the direction of travel is blocked:

Will derail at > 0.5 t/st:

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
in ══╗ -> derailing
║
out
}}

Will not derail at > 0.5 t/st:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
in ══╗O
║
out

O : wall/column.
}}

This behavior can be used to build a "speed limiter", that will ensure that when a minecart exits it is traveling below derail speed, as illustrated in these three examples:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░
in ═╔═╗░ ░╔S╗░ ░╔S╗░
out ═╬═╝░ out ═╗═╝░ out ═╗═╝░
░╚S╝░ ░╚═╝═ in ░╚S╝░
░░░░░ ░░░░ ║░░░
in
░ : wall
S : Track Stop (High Friction or lower)
}}
If the minecart is traveling below derailment speed, it will not be affected; if above, will be slowed down and checked again. Granted, you could do the same just with track turns, but it may take a lot of turns and time.

Since all the derailings, bounces and ramps can impart a sideway component of speed small enough to start visible drift many tiles away (say, [[Fun|in the middle of a bridge]]), track turns have one more use: forcing the carts to move strictly along the grid directions. Carts passing a turn below derailing speed convert one component of velocity into another, thus eliminating the drift.

=== Loading liquids ===
[[Water]] and [[magma]] can also be loaded into minecarts by submerging them to a depth of at least 6/7 while standing still or moving at speeds of at most 10000. Loading fluids onto minecarts can be difficult because the added friction provided by fluids can stop a cart in a submerged tile. Curiously, filling a minecart with magma does not injure a dwarf ''riding'' it. A minecart will hold enough fluid to increase the depth of a single tile by 2. This amount is listed as 833 units, which weigh 459Γ (water) or 999Γ (magma). An iron or steel cart filled with magma weighs 1313Γ, while an adamantine cart filled with magma weighs 1007Γ. Since you need a minecart above the liquid's level, possible arrangements may include pressure-activated sluices, rollers (with magma-safe chains for magma), pouring from above to "submerge" it briefly on the same level and drain excess away (dig deeper and leave a vaporizer, though if you could have power for rollers, may as well use a pump) and exploits with ramps (not necessarily impulse ramps, "same height" passing dip does it).
The liquids can be dumped by a constructed track stop.

== Quirks ==
This little quirk concerns dwarf-managed minecarts. If a track which was previously open becomes blocked (ex. flipping a switch connected to a floodgate you've built on the track to raise it) and the conditions for departure are met, instead of refusing to ride/guide the minecart or ride/guide it until it reaches the obstacle, the dwarf will pick up the minecart off the tracks and haul it to its scheduled destination on foot. If the distance is long enough and the weight of the cart heavy enough (due to being filled with heavy items such as stones), the dwarf may drop the cart because of fatigue/hunger/thirst before reaching the destination. This will cancel that vehicle setting job and make another dwarf come by and attempt to haul the cart to the nearest appropriate stockpile where another dwarf will pick up the cart and attempt to haul it to its initial stop. If the stockpile is far enough from initial stop, this second dwarf who is attempting to place the minecart on its tracks may also drop the minecart out of fatigue/hunger/thirst creating a loop that will go on until a dwarf with enough endurance manages to place the minecart where it belongs.

In fact, it seems dwarves are more than happy to attempt to carry a minecart from one stop to another even if just waiting until the track is open again would be the more sane option.

Dwarves will also carry a minecart to its next stop if the direction specified is incorrect (or invalid). This can often occur when using the default departure settings and forgetting to set the direction of each condition.

Dwarves can admire buildings while riding mine carts. Dwarves will not fall asleep during a ride (at least not from being drowsy). If riding on a continuous powered track loop, the dwarf will die of dehydration/starvation as they can not jump off to get sustenance.{{cite forum|109460/3377228}} Dwarves riding in submerged minecarts will gain experience in [[swimming]].{{cite forum|129889}}

Tracks block wagon access to trade depots, unless they're on a ramp. [[Bridge]]s can also be used, as they function as tracks but do not block wagons.

== Physics ==


Minecart physics depend greatly on the departure mode set in the route stop conditions.

When set to "Push" or "Ride", minecarts will move according to the regular laws of momentum, gaining speed when going downhill, losing it slowly due to friction when on a flat plane, and more quickly when going uphill. In these modes, minecarts will move in a straight line until they either are brought to a stop by friction or an obstacle, or until they encounter a turn. A minecart will roll straight past "blocked" ends of T-junctions or track ends, they have no power to restrict a cart's movement. The cart's behavior is largely independent of the weight of its contents (including fluids and dwarves): heavily loaded carts gain more momentum when accelerating, but this only plays a role in collisions: a heavy cart gains just as much speed and is as easy to stop as a light one. In either case, dwarves can not push nor ride an unpowered cart up a ramp. The cart will stall and roll back towards the direction it came. At best, this is a waste of time; at worst, it will give your cart-pushing dwarf a [[fun|fun surprise]]. To solve this, the player can either use Rollers (see below) or set the cart to be Guided.

The difference between "Push" and "Ride" is whether the dwarf will go along with the cart or not.

{{DFtext|Push}}: the dwarf will give the cart an initial push, not enough to go up a ramp, but enough to go some way along flat track. The dwarf will remain at the first stop, ready for a new job.

{{DFtext|Ride}}: the dwarf will give the cart the same initial push and then hop aboard the cart riding it to the next stop.

{{DFtext|Guide}}: the dwarf will steadily walk the cart to its destination while seemingly ignoring all laws of physics.

While being guided by a dwarf, minecarts will:
*Ignore the weight of any and all items inside.
*Ignore active working rollers.
*Will ''not'' collide with other guided carts even when a full frontal collision would be expected.
*Will ascend ramps with ease like a crundle scaling a cliff.

Because of these quirks, minecarts being guided will always move at the speed of the dwarf that is guiding them. It is thus recommended to pick the most [[attribute#Agility|agile]] of your dwarves for cart-guiding tasks.
It also means for simple non-powered rail systems, "Guide" is the recommended method of transport despite it diverting a dwarf from other, potentially more important tasks.

Some samples with behavior:
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
A <-> B A <-> C A <-> B
B B B
║ ║ ║
A══╝ A══╩══C A══╬╗
You can only go A->B ╚╝
Works when the cart Works
is in Guide mode.
}}
In the second example above, a cart "pushed" from B will go over the junction and roll off into the unknown south.

=== Numbers behind the scenes ===

According to early research by '''expwnent'''{{cite forum|112831/3536975}}:

The minecart has 3 variables for velocity. Velocity can be thought of as tiles per 100000 ticks, so a velocity of one hundred thousand means a cart travels one tile per tick. By going down a large number of ramps, a maximum velocity of 270,000 can be reached, which presents the limit for most practical applications. Short bursts of (much) higher speeds are possible through carefully planned collisions of high-speed carts.{{cite forum|137557/5145499}} (See [[#Perfectly Elastic Collisions|Perfectly Elastic Collisions]].)

Every tick the cart adjusts sub-tile position units by the amount of their velocity, as well as adjusts velocity depending on current tile (speed is reduced by the "friction" of the tile, or accelerated if going "down" a ramp). On flat (non-ramp) tiles, the cart will move to the next tile when the sub-tile position goes 50000 away from the centre of the tile, denoted by the no-fraction integer value - tile 15 e.g. has its centre at the exact value 15 and its borders at co-ordinates 14.5 and 15.5.

Since most deceleration and acceleration is applied per step, with the notable exception of corners, a cart going at twice the speed of another one can travel about four times the distance before coming to a stop when going in a straight line, but only twice the distance along a winding track with very many corners.

A push will teleport a cart to the middle of the next tile in one tick with 19990 speed (10 speed is lost due to track friction), while a roller will directly give a cart the roller's set speed (minus friction) and the cart starts accumulating distance from its standing position. When a cart leaves a ramp it will emerge after one tick at the very end of the next regular tile.

Friction of tiles:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Tile
! Friction
! Comment
|-
| Tracks
| 10
|-
| Ground/Floor
| 200
|-
| Unusable ramp
| 10
|-
| Upwards ramp
| 4910 (10+4900)
|-
| Downwards ramp
| -4890 (10-4900)
|-
| Roller
| ±100000 (but capped by the set speed)
|-
| Corner track
| 10
| Speed reduced by 1000 upon leaving the corner tile
|-
| Track stop (highest)
| 50000
|-
| Track stop (high)
| 10000
|-
| Track stop (medium)
| 500
|-
| Track stop (low)
| 50
|-
| Track stop (lowest)
| 10
|-
| Water 1-6
| Additional (WaterLevel - 1) * 100
| rowspan="2" | [[#Skipping|See Skipping]]
|-
| Magma 1-6
| Additional (WaterLevel - 1) * 500
|-
| Empty space
| 0
|}

Water of depth 7/7 provides a friction of about 10000 per step. Maximum-depth magma causes at least as much friction, possibly more. This higher friction may not apply to very slow-moving carts.

Impulse sources:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature
! Speed
|-
| Push
| 20000
|-
| Roller lowest
| 10000
|-
| Roller low
| 20000
|-
| Roller medium
| 30000
|-
| Roller high
| 40000
|-
| Roller Highest
| 50000
|-
|}

Note, again, that nearly all of these values are applied ''per tick'', rather than ''per tile''. The exceptions are curves, which is 1k deceleration per direction change at the end of the tile, and rollers, which ''set'' the speed every tick. This makes rollers particularly useful in high-deceleration situations, such as underwater, but require that ''nearly every tile'' in such high-deceleration situations have a roller.

A cart heading up a ramp can experience deceleration on multiple ticks, (and stays on the tile more ticks the slower it is going, resulting in greater deceleration,) and as such, a cart leaving a "Highest Speed" roller with 50k velocity will not be able to climb 10 consecutive straight ramps, since they are ''not'' "5k deceleration each". In fact, the first ramp not on a roller will be -15k velocity, and, depending slightly upon other factors of "remainder" x position, the second may completely cancel forward momentum, and send it rolling back down, where it will bounce off the roller repeatedly. Using rollers to power carts up ramps reliably requires rollers every other un-rollered ramp. Fortunately, rollers can be built upon ramps, themselves, which allows for rollers to only need to be built every other floor. (Exploiting the [[#Checkpoint Effect|checkpoint effect]] can allow one to bypass this requirement.)

There are two important speed values which affect carts' behaviour:

"Derailing" can happen when a cart moves at speeds in excess of 50000 - carts will ignore track corners unless forced to obey them by walls or other obstacles blocking the straight path.

The "shotgun" effect takes place when a collision changes a cart's movement speed by more than 55000: loaded carts subject to such a change eject their contents, which then keep on moving in a ballistic trajectory, in the direction and at the speed the cart had before the collision (with a small random vector added). This effect entirely rides on the amount of speed ''change'' - a speeding cart crashing into a wall can be subject to it just as well as a standing cart accelerated by a speedy cart smacking into it. It can even happen when two relatively slow-moving carts (down to speeds below 20000 in extreme cases) collide head-on.

=== Sub-tile Positions and Velocity ===
Carts store six values that are unique to them. Three sub-tile position values, and three velocity values. (X, Y, and Z.)

Note that the Z position and velocity only matter when a cart is in flight. (See [[#Falling|Falling]] and [[#Cart Jumps|Cart Jumps]].)

Each non-ramp tile is functionally composed of 100,000 individual minimal-length positions ''within'' the tile in both dimensions. When a cart has velocity, it is added or subtracted from the current position every tick, and then a friction force is applied to the cart.

In essence, every sub-tile position unit is a decimal value of a tile, 0.00001 tiles, in a game that largely prefers integer values.

The exact cart coordinates shown e.g. by a DFHack script must be rounded arithmetically (up or down to the nearest integer) to find the current tile: a cart in the centre of a tile will be at sub-tile zero in all directions, and it will cross into the next tile when subtile value is more than 50 000 higher or lower than the full number.

When carts move beyond the borders of a tile, they physically move a tile on the map, and start at the far end of the sub-tile position the next tile. (I.E., traveling West, a cart that starts a tick 15,000 X away from the border and has an X velocity of -20,000 will move -5000 X past the adjacent border of the next tile in direction -X. It will also lose 10 velocity in that tick due to friction with the track if it is on a track, or 100 velocity if it is on regular ground, or no velocity if it is airborne.)

Ramp tiles are longer, approximately 141,420{{cite forum|157627/0}} in the direction where it "slants downward", (to approximate a 45 degree slope, it is square root of two times longer,) with a centre-to-border distance of 70,710. Because of this, a cart with no velocity dropped from a hatch will land at the center of a tile, 70,710 away from the tile's borders in both directions, and will start rolling in the ramp's "downward" direction, picking up the ramp's acceleration (4890 per tick in the direction of the ramp's "downward" direction) every single tick, then moving that sub-tile amount every tick. (This results in a cart that takes 5 ticks of acceleration to leave its ramp - 6 ticks overall - and to leave the ramp with about 23k velocity, slightly more than a push.) When it enters another ramp ''facing the same direction downwards'', a cart will start at the -70710 or +70710 position, and have twice as far to travel. This means that if a cart enters a ramp from the side, it will gain twice the momentum of simply starting at the midpoint of a ramp.

Note that passing from one direction of ramp to another or to flat terrain causes unintuitive behavior, "teleporting" to the end of another tile in what is called the "[[#Checkpoint Effect|checkpoint effect]]".

Note, however, that all sub-tile positions are carried over from tile-to-tile. This separate tracking of velocity and position between X and Y can lead to problems with diagonal motion:

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z0 z-1
▒║▒ ▒▒▒
═▼═ ▒╬▒
▒ ▒ ▒║▒
▒ : Wall
═, ║ : Track
╬ : Track and Ramp
}}

If a cart is passing West-to-East over this setup, the valid ramp to the South will apply "Southward" acceleration to the cart (-Y velocity) as it passes through the ramp tile. Assuming it only spends two ticks in that tile, it will have gained a lasting -5k Y velocity, which will still apply motion Southward. If the cart continues travelling over straight track for another ten steps, it will have accumulated enough Southward motion to try to move a tile South, even if all tracks are facing East-West.

A single tile spent on the ramp will not grant lasting southward motion, because the acceleration will be neutralised through the checkpoint effect when the cart leaves the ramp again, but the cart will be displaced about 5k sub-tiles southward, which can cause it to gain more or less speed than an undisplaced cart when meeting another south- or north-accelerating ramp.

'''Non-curving tracks do not correct this motion'''.

They don't "tip back over" without adjustments in the track. Any value of sideways motion on tracks larger than 990 will lead to a derailment. (Lower values will be nullified by friction before they are enough to lead to derailment, but there is currently no way to apply such a small amount of velocity.)

If the tile to the South is a wall at that point, it will be considered a collision with a wall that ''halts all motion''. If the tile is open, the cart will simply leave the track and travel over the terrain beside it. In almost any circumstance, this is undesirable behavior.

The only way to appropriately deal with this is to either cancel out this behavior with an equal amount of acceleration in the opposite direction, or to take a curve.

Note, again, that sub-track position is saved in both directions, so when a cart approaches a curve, it will already have a shorter or longer distance past the curve when it makes the turn.

Curves are applied at the end of a tile. If a cart is moving East, and approaches a North-West track corner at 30k velocity, and friction is eliminated for the purposes of a cleaner demonstration, then when it enters the tile on the western (X coordinate) border of the tile, but in a central North-South (Y) orientation (sub-tile -50k X and 0 Y due to arithmetic rounding), it will then move 30k East (+X) the next tick, and be at -20k X sub-tile position, and 0 Y sub-tile position. Next tick, it is at +10k X sub-tile position, and 0k Y sub-tile position. Two more ticks would take it to +70k X, but that's past the tile border, so it stops at 50k, turns (and thus loses 1k velocity, but translates the rest from X-velocity to Y-velocity) and travels another 20k. It is now at 0k X sub-tile position, and -20k Y sub-tile position (i.e. it's re-set from the end to the middle of the tile with respect to the X co-ordinate). Next tick, it travels at 29k velocity North, and so moves to 0k X sub-tile position, and +9k Y sub-tile position. Then in two more turns, it leaves to the North.

In the case of diagonal motion due to having velocities in X and Y at the same time, it is critical which tile the cart actually tries to enter next. Only if the path into that tile is blocked by the corner branches will the cart take the corner and rewrite its velocity, otherwise it leaves the corner tile without changes to its motion. If the cart is redirected by the corner, all sideways velocity is lost, as forwards velocity ''overwrites'' sideways velocity in a curve. If, in that example in the paragraph above, the cart entered at -50k X sub-tile position with 30k X velocity, and 40k Y sub-tile position and -1k Y velocity, it would take that "curve" (or rather, redirection of velocity) on the fourth turn, while it is at 37k Y sub-tile position to start with, and then move to -53k Y sub-tile position at the end of that tick. It would then move to -26k Y sub-tile position in the following turn, and take 3 turns to clear the tile.

But, most importantly, it would be centered in the X sub-tile position, and all sideways velocity is safely removed.

There are two common ways to gain sideways velocity: Rollers facing perpendicular to the cart's travel path (which, as covered above, are almost always a bad idea, as it is easier to push ''against'' the travel direction of a cart into a curve, which redirects all velocity in the new direction,) and [[#Corner Ramp Derail|corner ramps]], and require a curved track to compensate for sideways velocity within a few tiles.

=== Track Direction Irrelevance ===
Carts that are traveling independently (that is, not guided) only care that tracks ''are'' on the tile, not which direction the tracks actually move. Tracks respect only curves (with two exits) and ramps.

This means, for example, that the following tracks, when a (non-guided) cart travels from West-to-East, are functionally identical in effect:

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
A════════════B A╬║╚╔╣╩╦╠╥╨╞╡B
}}

This is because so far as the cart is concerned, only valid ramps and curves with two exits where there is no exit in the path they are traveling matters.

Hence, if a minecart encounters the end of the track or a T junction with no "exit" in its movement direction, it will simply leave the track and continue on its course in a straight line until it encounters an obstacle, slows to a stop, or encounters another track even if the tile at which it joins the new track instantly sends it around a corner.

In fact, in a track designed for pushes or rides, a "║", a "╦", a "╬", and a "╥" are ''only different in appearance'', and are ignored by an unguided cart, which will continue in its current direction, regardless of the track. For any purpose but guided tracks, ''only curves and ramps matter at all''.

Tracks like T-junctions, however, ''are'' respected by dwarves guiding carts, who will lift and carry carts if they cannot find a valid track to their destination, and can choose to follow any orthogonal direction at a four-way junction in much the same way as they normally pathfind. What this functionally means is that T and four-way junctions ''only guide dwarves hauling a cart, not carts, themselves''.

Carts only check for curves when they are halfway through a tile. When they get there, they look to see if their path has no exit. (That is, if it is traveling East, it checks if there is an East exit.) If there is, it ignores all other track directions, and keeps traveling. If there is not, it checks to see if there are only two exits to the track, and if one of those directions was the direction it "came from". (That is, if traveling West from the East, it checks if there is a valid exit to the West, and if not, if there is an East exit and EITHER a North or South exit.) If there is not, it ignores the track anyway, and keeps on traveling as though it were still on track.

If there is a curve the cart will respect, it checks for derailment. Carts derail if their speed is higher than 50k. Carts at this critical speed will then check for blockages of their forward path. If there is an obstacle to their path, which may be a wall or even furniture or buildings like a door, they will not derail and respect the curve, anyway. Derailing carts do not "[[#Cart Jumps|jump]]" unless they hit completely untracked tile or an invalid ramp, but simply ignore the layout of the tracks entirely. With invalid ramps, this means not respecting the ramp, and likely results in collision with a wall, zeroing of all velocity, and a cart that requires manual retrieval.

If the cart is traveling at a speed that will not derail, or is forced to turn by a supporting wall, it will subtract 1000 from the "forwards" velocity of the cart, and redirect all forward velocity to the direction of the curve. This change in the direction of velocity ''overwrites'' any "diagonal" velocity, which can prevent diagonal velocity derailments, but any perpendicular velocity is not preserved, and is instead discarded.

=== Valid and Invalid Ramps ===
Ramps are functionally defined for cart purposes as being a tile which exerts an acceleration force upon its "downward slope", and which allows connection to tracks a z-level above or below. This downward slope requires a cart to have at least one track branch touching a wall tile and one ''and exactly one'' carved exit to the tile that is the "bottom" of the ramp. Ramps accelerate carts in this "downward" direction (possibly leading to [[#Corner Ramp Derail|diagonal movement]]), and the deceleration of an "uphill" ramp is actually just the acceleration being applied against the direction of a cart's movement.

This is where players can find an exploit in the behavior of ramps - if there are ''two'' "downhill" exits to a ramp (such as a "T junction" on a ramp where only one exit faces a wall), then the ramp provides no acceleration ''or'' deceleration, allowing carts to travel up ramps without any loss of momentum except for the standard "flat track" deceleration, because as far as the cart is concerned, the track ''is'' flat. (A T junction is also not a curve, so the track is considered flat and straight no matter what direction the cart is traveling.)

Similar effects can be achieved when there are ''no'' "downhill" exits to a ramp. This may be the case if you have, for example, an East-West track with a one-tile channel with a ramp in it. The cart will travel through the "dip" with no change in velocity. It can also be the case if you abuse the [[#Track Direction Irrelevance|Track Direction Irrelevance]], and set only exits ''up'' the ramp, and none leading ''down'' the ramp. For example, if a cart is traveling from West to East up a slope, only carving East exits on each tile of ramp will make the cart travel up the ramp, and then recognize the tile it is on as being a "flat" tile, thus ignoring any deceleration from traveling uphill.

Note that this effect only reliably occurs at below-derail speeds as the cart will treat the ramp as an invitation for a ramp jump otherwise. (This almost always results in a collision with a wall that will stop forward progress.)

=== Falling ===
When falling, a minecart appears to cause no damage upon collision, possibly to allow cart "stacking" across Z-levels.{{cite devlog|2012|04|06}} A dwarf riding in a minecart that is dropped multiple z-levels suffers normal fall damage. Minecarts can fall through up/down stairs.

While airborne, carts do not feel the effects of friction in any horizontal direction, and will continue until they strike an obstacle. Carts that land on tracks instantly re-rail themselves regardless of track directionality.

Falling carts accelerate similarly to the way that a ramp will accelerate a cart in a special z-only velocity that only applies to airborne carts. (Actually, since a tile is notionally 1.5 times as high as it is wide/long, acceleration due to gravity in freefall appears slightly ''slower'' than ramp acceleration, since it has to move the cart (or any other object) a greater distance.) Ramp acceleration, while it logically should be partially z-directional, is only recorded as x- or y-directional, and there is no translation of z-directional velocity upon landing. Landing carts zero out their vertical velocity upon landing, even when landing on ramps, although carts that had horizontal momentum while falling preserve it.

This means a cart falling onto a track ramp is accelerated as if starting from the middle of the ramp - i.e. to the same speed, no matter how many Z-levels it was dropped, vertical velocity is negated. {{cite forum|144328/5701211}} As a consequence, the fall damage to passengers is also negated.

Carts falling onto a floor can, however, cause damage to creatures ''one tile below the floor''. This can be used in an [[exploit]] called a "thumper", where carts are caused to repeatedly fall on a floor above an entrance to the fort, inflicting significant damage (as though it were a collision) on those below the cart.

=== Cart Jumps ===
Carts that cross off of "up" ramps relative to their current direction of travel, which do not have a ceiling above them, are traveling above derail speed, and do not have valid ramp track before them can translate a portion of their horizontal velocity into vertical velocity, causing a cart to be projected into the air until vertical velocity is negated and overcome by the gravitational acceleration. Because downwards acceleration is applied per-tick, this creates a reasonable facsimile of the parabolic motion of an actual object rolled up a ramp and launched with significant speed.

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
z0 z0 hiding ramps z+1 A z+1 B (hidden ramp)
▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
═▲▲▲▲▲══▲▒▲═ ═╚╚╚╚╚═══▒══ ▼▼▼▼▼ ▼═▼ ▼▼▼▼▼ ▼╚▼
▒ : Wall
═ : track
▲ : Ramp
}}
In this diagram, if there is no ceiling above it, the track in z+1 A will launch its carts airborne when they travel across the ramp. z+1 B (with a ramp on the tile on the hill) will not launch the cart. The cart would also not be launched with ''any'' valid ramp, even if it does not travel in an appropriate direction, such as North/South (which the cart will ignore, as it is not a curve, anyway, although it may produce acceleration that may cause diagonal movement.)

Carts will also start "jumping" from the track if it hits an un-tracked tile, flying over and ignoring any tracks until it is ready to land. Carts that land upon tracked tiles re-rail themselves, and clever designers use this feature to jump over curved track sections in one direction or another. (Retracting bridges over untracked tiles can cause jumps or not cause jumps depending upon the status of the bridge.) Minecart speed must be carefully regulated to ensure reliability of jump length.

Hitting untracked tiles at around 70k velocity creates a vertical component to acceleration that allows for jumps of around 6 (horizontal) tiles that do not actually leave the z-level the cart is on, but which do apply z-direction velocity on the cart, as per falling.

At the start of a jump, there is a takeoff period before the cart stops interacting with terrain and starts counting as a projectile(i.e the cart will fly over open space, but will still bump into fortifications, activate checkpoint effects etc.). The "runway" length before takeoff is affected by the velocity of the cart. After flying through the runway, the cart starts acting as a projectile. However, if the last tile of the runway is not open space - for instance, it is a track or a floor - the cart will not act as a projectile for 1 extra tile. In other words, the runway is extended by 1 tile if its last tile is not open space.

Carts that approach a downward slope at a high enough velocity will also make a jump, (or rather, ignore the ramp and fly forwards) but will not do so if the [[#Checkpoint Effect|Checkpoint Effect]] is exploited through an impulse ramp before the actual downhill as the impulse ramp "tricks" the cart into thinking it has already started going downhill.

=== Skipping ===
If a minecart is moving fast enough, it can skip over [[water]] or [[magma]], making splashes of [[mist]] (or [[magma mist]]) as it attempts to move on them horizontally. This horizontal movement is independent of the minecart and its content's [[weight]].

Skipping causes significant friction on the cart, and even a cart going at max speed from ramps can only make about 50 tiles without requiring re-acceleration. (Carts that decelerate enough that they do not trigger the skipping effect will, of course, sink.)

=== Corner Ramp Derail ===

Corners on upward ramps can cause diagonal movement, forcing a derail even if the cart has a wall next to it, which will force a stop when it touches a wall that forces dwarves to manually reset the cart.

This is caused by the fact that a cart, after turning the bend in the track and entering e.g. a flat tile, will be subject to the checkpoint effect which applies 5k acceleration opposed to the last amount of ramp acceleration it received. Since the cart has just passed a corner, this compensatory speed adjustment now goes to the "outside" of the corner and creates enough lateral velocity to carry the cart off the track after eleven steps. (Down corner ramps do not have this problem, as the downward direction is in line with the past-corner movement direction and the checkpoint effect works on the only remaining movement vector.)

There are two fixes to this problem. One is to simply not put corners on up ramps. The other is to "cancel" the lateral speed after a cart has passed the ramp, either by sending the cart through another corner or by putting a high-friction track stop on the exit tile. In the latter case, the cart will lose 10000 speed in the desired direction, but the same speed loss will apply to the undesired lateral speed, nullifying it.

=== Checkpoint Effect ===
The checkpoint effect, [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=144328.0 explained in depth by Larix], is an odd and highly exploitable feature of ramps where minecarts "teleport" through the next tile of track, ignoring nearly all minecart physics (except that they stop at all walls or other obstacles and only respect curves with no backing wall and invalid ramps if they are below derail speed) and passing through that tile in just a single tick, and to the very end of the next tile.

This effect occurs when a cart leaves a downward ramp for any other direction of tile. (This includes ramps which accelerate in different directions, even a ramp which goes from accelerating East to accelerating North due to a bend in a chain of standard down ramps in a curve.) This allows, for example, two valid straight ramps directly next to one another with a cart dropped onto one or the other with no momentum to have the cart pick up acceleration going "down" the ramp as normal, but then flying up through the "up" ramp it travels into with no loss of momentum, as though it had come from an impulse ramp. If the two ramps had at least one space of distance between them, and then a cart were dropped in, the cart would instead "rock" back and forth between the two ramps.

This seems to be because ramps have a slightly longer length than regular tiles - 141,420, rather than 100,000 distance. When this "snaps back" after a ramp, it seems to project the cart suddenly further along the track, making it jump a tile ahead even when otherwise moving at relatively low speeds.

This [[bug]] is the cause of a ''wide array'' of unexpected behavior among people who do not take this bug into account. It causes derailments or failure to climb up seemingly valid impulse elevators. In general, it makes a system that behaves extremely counter-intuitively, and operates ''any time a cart encounters a valid ramp''. At the same time, when its effect is accounted for, it is highly exploitable: It causes "perpetual motion devices" using no power when two opposing ramps are placed next to one another, since the "uphill" effect of the opposing ramp is ignored, preventing deceleration.

Another useful thing to note about this exploit is that carts traveling at no less than 71,000 or so speed (enough to travel half a ramp tile in a single tick) can travel through every tile in just one tick at no change in velocity as long as the tiles alternate between impulse ramp or actual down ramp and any other tile type. The cart checkpoints through the non-down-ramp tiles, and can pass through the (impulse) down ramp tiles in a single tick, before they can actually start gaining momentum.

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒
═▲═▲═▲═▲═▲═ ═╚═╚═╚═╚═╚═
▒ : Wall
═ : Normal track
▲/╚ : N/E Track/Ramp
}}

If the cart enters from the West at less than 72,000 speed, some of those ramps will cause Eastward acceleration.

This means that an impulse ramp not contiguous to other impulse ramps has a top speed of around 75k:

{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒
▒╔═╗▒ ▒╔═╗▒
▒╚▲╝▒ ▒╚╗╝▒
▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒
}}
This setup makes a cart that travels clockwise at a speed that fluctuates around 75k velocity. If the cart has more than 72k velocity, it fails to accelerate in the ramp, as it leaves the ramp in a single turn due to checkpointing to the halfway point. After that, the curves sap 1k velocity, and every tick saps 10 velocity.

Two contiguous impulse ramps with a same-facing "downwards slope", however, do not suffer the checkpoint effect in the second tile, giving functionally triple the space to accelerate. This means it will add velocity (at the standard rate of 4.9k per tick) up to a maximum speed of 216k.
{{diagram|spaces=yes|\
▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒
▒╔══╗▒ ▒╔══╗▒
▒╚▲▲╝▒ ▒╚╗╗╝▒
▒▒▒▒▒▒ ▒▒▒▒▒▒
}}
This example results in a cart moving three times as fast as the previous cart.

Three successive ramps results in the highest attainable speeds.

In practical terms, this means that only consecutive ramps should be used for high acceleration, but singleton ramps can be used to have speeds that are somewhat regulated.

=== Stacking ===
If a minecart lands on top of another minecart, they may form a stack, with the upper cart on the z-level above the lower. Subsequent carts do not form a stack, but rather quantum stockpile in the same space. This behaviour is useful for [[megaprojects]] and [[trap design]] with minecarts as the weaponry. Moderation should still be exercised: carts take longer to fall into a "stacking" tile already occupied by other carts and will spend that time "hanging" in the air above the stack. This can lead to following carts striking them, which can cause all kinds of malfunctions. The extra time is two game steps for every cart already in the stack, which doesn't hurt stacks of ten carts very much but makes stacks of 100+ rather impractical.

These minecarts on the upper level generally need to be struck with another minecart to move out, or have their support removed. The latter option is safest done by shooting it away with another minecart, manual removal of a stack-supporting cart typically causes the next cart from the stack to [[fun|fall on top]] of the hauler.

=== Perfectly Elastic Collisions ===
Minecart collisions are perfectly elastic, meaning that not only do minecarts not take damage, but that two carts that are rolling which have frontal collisions of near-similar speed, and where one cart is no more than twice the mass of the other cart, will result in a billiard-ball-like effect of the lighter cart bouncing off the heavier cart with a proportional speed increase dependent upon the relative momentum behind the heavier cart.

Using this trick with carts already at the 270,000 maximum speed from ramps can result in "supersonic" carts traveling at speeds in the millions (travelling a dozen tiles per tick), but where they are suddenly subject to 10,000 units of "terminal velocity" friction per tick. [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=137557.0 Thread with SCIENCE here].

While hypothetically capable of launching a minecart into orbit when used in conjunction with a ramp, no cargo can be contained in the launched cart, as the collisions will force ejections of the cargo. Your "unwilling volunteer" [[goblin]] space pioneers will simply become paste underneath the wheels of an extreme high-speed cart.

== Non-standard uses ==
Minecarts include some interesting characteristics that have motivated uses beyond hauling. They can be useful for creating fully-automated [[Quantum stockpile|quantum stockpiles]], [[garbage disposal]]s, [[Water_wheel#Micro_Water_Reactor|water reactors]], and [[portable drain]]s. Storing perishable goods (meat, meals, etc.) inside a minecart appears to guard against rot and vermin.
Minecarts can be [[Trap_design#Minecarts|used as weapons]], or as (hopefully non-fatal) triggers to restart stalled [[healthcare]]. They can also be used to time/control game events, either using a basic [[repeater]] or much more advanced [[minecart logic]].
Minecarts trigger [[pressure plate]]s, which means a trap can be designed to trigger when a thief attempts to steal a minecart.
A pressure plate can be used as automatic and more precise custom "launch when full enough" system - as long as weight of your minecarts stays the same. You cannot build a hatch or roller on the same tile, so launch by bumping with another cart. {{cite forum|15096/4580050}}
Dwarves riding minecarts can attack enemies within reach (which goes back to dev log). This applies to shooting, and they actually can hit targets while riding by.{{cite forum|109460/5266119}} Whether a minecart protects the rider and how it interacts with dodging is not known yet. Minecart riders can also [[Swimming#Minecart_training|train swimming]] and [[Megaprojects#Surveillance_Track|detect ambushers]].

== Simple Example Layouts ==

=== 2-way Minecart Route ===
[[File:Simple2wayminecart.PNG|500px|Simple 2-way Minecart Route]]

This is an example of how a 2 way route can be established.
* Stop 1 is non dumping, frictionless (Feeder Stockpile from North in this example)
* Stop 2 friction and dump (dumps South in this example)
* Stop 3 is non dumping, frictionless (Feeder Stockpile from North in this example)
* Stop 4 friction and dump (dumps South in this example)

Now you create a Route hauling your desired items from Stop 1 to Stop 2 . Immediately guide the empty cart to Stop 3 (because the stop has no friction, a pushed cart will overshoot the stop).
Haul desired items from Stop 3 to Stop 4. Immediately guide the empty Cart to Stop 1.

=== Automated Minecart Funicular (Elevator that also goes sideways)===
This is an example to set up stone delivery from multiple Z levels with a common set of tracks while automatically returning the cart to where it is supposed to go. In this example, the South track goes upwards towards the drop off point, the North track goes downwards for cart return.
The design pictured consists of the following:
[[File:MinecartFunicular.gif|frame|left]]
* Two ramps next to a wall spaced one tile apart
* Tracks on top of the ramps to make an inclined track
* A 3X1 channel dug down next to the ramps on the side opposite the wall
* 2 gear assemblies, one between the ramps, one over the middle channel
* Rollers on the upward track pointing towards the wall (South ramp in this example)
* A hatch over the channel next to your downwards ramp (North ramp in this example)
* A wall diagonally adjacent to the to the upwards channel
* Tracks leading from the hatch to the single wall
* A wall next to the curved section of track
* A pressure plate set to trigger on minecarts on the track underneath the minecart. Link the pressure plate to the hatch
* Set up a minecart route with one stop where the minecart is. Set the condition to push the minecart in the direction of the channel with any condition and contents you wish
* Each subsequent level needs to be shifted one tile in the direction of the ramp down
{{clear}}
The unloading level just needs to pass the cart over a track stop set to dump in whatever direction you want, then send it back down the return track. It also needs to provide power to the rollers, 12 power is required per level.
[[File:MinecartFunicularTop.gif|thumb|left]]
{{clear}}
How it works
* The minecart sitting on the pressure plate keeps the hatch open so that other carts may pass
* When the cart is off the pressure plate the hatch closes. This causes the cart to pass over the hatch back to its loading position
[[File:MinecartFunicularHatch.gif|thumb|left]]
{{clear}}
== Adventure mode ==
In addition to being used for hauling, minecarts can also be ridden in [[adventure mode]]. (Adapted from forum thread {{cite forum|122903/4258212}})

# If the minecart is in your inventory, drop it. If it is already on the ground, proceed to step 2.
# Press {{k|u}} when you are 1 tile away from the minecart (or standing on the same tile as the minecart).
# You will be presented with the following options:
[[File:minecart adventure mode menu.png|left]]
{{clear}}
* If you {{DFtext|Push}} the minecart, it will move a few tiles in the direction you chose. Physics comes into play here, so it will gain/lose speed depending on the usual factors.
* If you {{DFtext|Ride}} the minecart, you will hop into the minecart, even if you were a tile away, and it will move in the chosen direction with you in it. It will gain/lose speed depending on the usual factors. Whilst the minecart is in motion, you should press {{k|.}} to skip your turn; if you attempt to move whilst the minecart is still in motion, the laws of physics come into play, and you will take [[wound|damage]]. However, it is currently possible to jump out of a moving minecart safely.{{bug|10104}} Alternatively, you can push the minecart whilst it's still in motion (although it's unclear how one can bend [[physics]] so as to push a moving minecart whilst inside the minecart). If you push it in the same direction you are already travelling in, you will greatly increase the minecart's velocity. You can also push it in different directions, and this will cause it to gradually change direction-the amount of pushes this requires depends on the minecart's velocity. Once the minecart has stopped moving, you may move out of it safely, or you may want to give it another push. Note that if you push a minecart right after having ridden it (still on the same tile as the minecart), it will act as though you chose to ''ride'' it.
* When the minecart is on a track, options appear to {{DFtext|Guide}} it in directions that the tracks lead. This moves the cart 1 tile in the direction it is guided. Guiding the cart is the only way to move a minecart from a maximum friction track stop (other than taking it into inventory.)

Minecarts in adventure mode are not restricted by a lack of tracks. However, they are hindered by natural ramps. Attempting to go up a slope will lead up the cart slamming into the wall. The good news is you'll make it over the ramp. The bad news is you likely won't stick the landing.

Note that while carts are a powerful weapon if heavy and fast enough, they have their limits, and a collision can sharply reduce the speed of a cart depending on what you hit, potentially enough to eject the rider. Trying to run over a human will send them flying, while trying to ram a dragon will not end well.

If you want to test this out without creating an adventurer, the [[object testing arena]] allows you to spawn minecarts ({{k|k}}-{{k|c}}-{{k|n}})

== Forging and Melting ==
* Metal minecarts cost '''two''' [[metal]] bars to forge, or '''six''' [[adamantine]] wafers.
* When a non-adamantine metal minecart is melted down, it will return '''1.8''' metal bars, for an '''efficiency of 90%'''.
* When an adamantine minecart is melted down, it will produce '''1.8''' wafers, for an '''efficiency of 30%'''.

== See also ==
* [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=109460.0 The "How Does Minecart" Thread] by '''Girlinhat''' et al.
* [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=112831.0 SCIENCE: Quantifying minecart physics] by '''Snaake''' et al.
* [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=129676.0 How to build a Multi-cart Ore to Magma Minecart Project without needing power] by '''WanderingKid'''. (Images recovered from wayback machine and posted here: https://imgur.com/gallery/LpRsDwO)
* [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=144328.0 My very own Minecart Education Thread. Ten Lessons, now complete.] by '''Larix'''.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hctG2dQzHwg Real-life railcarts/conveyor hybrid] which uses similar mechanics.

== Bugs ==
*A dwarf will drop her [[child|baby]], if she has one, when boarding a minecart set to be ridden.
*Dwarves have no concept of traffic safety and will walk into busy minecart lines to retrieve objects, often with deadly consequences. This is especially problematic in [[Swimming#Minecart_training|clever applications]] depending on dwarves riding the carts very frequently, because they have a bad habit of dumping their worn clothes on the tracks after a minecart ride. Adding an automatically-operated [[hatch cover]] at the end of such a ride can help prevent [[unfortunate accident]]s.
*Dwarves cannot guide a minecart through an unlocked door unless another dwarf opens the door.{{bug|6056}}
*It is possible for a creature and minecart moving towards each other to pass without collision if they exchange tiles in the same tick.
*After a minecart ride, a dwarf will sometimes haul the minecart to a storage stockpile, leaving another dwarf to haul the vehicle back to the route.
*Minecarts falling onto a floor injure creatures in the tile below the floor.{{bug|6068}}
*If a minecart travelling at high speed hits a wall, it and its contents may go through the wall, or even end up embedded in it.{{bug|5996}}
*A minecart's initial velocity is not affected by weight, when pushed or launched from rollers.{{bug|6296}}
*Removing a stop that has a vehicle waiting on it may cause the game to crash.{{bug|5980}}
*Jumping out of a minecart in motion does not lead to injury.{{bug|10104}}
*Jumping into a stationary minecart can lead to significant injury.{{bug|10229}}

{{Gamedata|{{raw|DF2014:item_tool.txt|ITEM_TOOL|ITEM_TOOL_MINECART}}}}

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}

[[ru:Minecart]]

Large pot

2024-07-19T21:04:16Z

Pixelpusher220: Add the hauling labor used to move the pot

{{Quality|Superior}}

{{av}}
{{buggy}}

{{v50_item|name=Large pot
|graphic=[[File:large_pot_sprite.png]]
|tile={{char|232}}
|wood=n
|woodcraft=y
|stone=n
|stonecraft=y
|metal=n
|metalcraft=y
|bars=1
|glass=y
|cloth=n
|leather=n
|ceramic=y
|bone=n
|shell=n
|gem=n
|wax=n
|used for=
* [[Storage]]
|value=10
|size=5,000
|capacity=60,000
}}

'''Pots''', also known as '''large pots''', are containers that function much like [[barrel]]s, and have the same capacity, but can be made from materials other than wood or metal, such as [[stone]], [[ceramic]], and [[glass]]. The game refers to these containers sometimes as "pot" and sometimes as "large pot" but there is no actual distinction.

For most uses, large pots can replace [[barrel]]s. However, stone pots are usually heavier than wooden barrels, so tasks that require moving stone barrels may be slowed to some extent compared to wooden ones. (See "[[Large pot#Material selection|material selection]]", below).

Note, however, that large pots cannot replace barrels in all situations. Some tasks may ''specifically'' require "barrels" (eg. "Process Plant to Barrel"), and some workshops '''specify''' a barrel for their construction, e.g. an [[ashery]] or [[dyer's shop]].

Large pots can be made from stone by a [[stone crafter]] at a [[craftsdwarf's workshop]], [[ceramic]] at a [[kiln]], [[glass]] at a [[glass furnace]], [[wood]] at a [[craftsdwarf's workshop]], or [[metal]] at a [[metalsmith's forge]]. Pots made from stone, [[stoneware]], [[glass]], [[wood]], [[porcelain]], [[metal]], or [[glaze]]d [[earthenware]] are water-tight and can be used to store liquids, and even for [[brewing]]. Unglazed earthenware can only be used for storing dry items. Metal pots are made using the [[metalcrafting]] skill, as opposed to metal barrels, which use the [[blacksmithing]] skill.

Pots are stored in the Large Pots/Food Storage section of the Furniture stockpile. Empty pots are listed under Tools when viewing the fortress's [[stocks]] or when moving them to a [[trade depot]]. Pots are hauled using the Haul Item labor.

Large pots take up 500 units of volume. Same as barrels, pots can hold up to 60 prepared meals, plants, or cheeses, 30 pieces of meat or fish, any number of units of brewed [[alcohol]] (but only a single stack), 100 units of [[lye]] or [[milk]], or 6000 eggs regardless of size.

== Material selection ==
As with other containers, several factors are relevant in choosing the proper material for making large pots. Namely, availability, value, fire/magma safety, vermin resistance, <s>hippie</s> elf kosherness, and most importantly '''weight'''.

Pots made from stone of typical* [[Density#Density of some materials|density]] will be 33% heavier than typical* wooden barrels. Fire clay "stoneware" pots weigh the same as a wooden barrel, while earthenware pots are lighter but must be glazed. This makes large stone pots superior for any stockpile that does not require the containers to be moved, such as [[Kitchen|prepared meals]]. Ceramic pots are superior to typical wood in all cases.
: (*There are exceptionally light or heavy examples of both stone and wood, but the majority of types of each fall into a "typical" weight category.)

Pots are only 1/4 as heavy[http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=127471.msg4342164#msg4342164] as barrels made from the same material (e.g. metal, glass). This means metal pots are generally a better storage option than metal barrels, saving the industry precious dwarf-hours by hauling faster due to lighter containers. Additionally, a metal barrel costs '''3''' bars, but a metal pot only '''1''', making metal barrels a vastly less attractive option.

But in the case of large pots, stone is typically used chiefly due to its abundance, especially for young outposts. Doing so will conserve wood (likely the only other economic choice) for tasks for which stone cannot be used (and metal is not always practical), such as making [[bed]]s, [[bin]]s, [[bucket]]s, [[cage]]s, [[charcoal]], [[crutch]]es and [[splint]]s, [[pipe section]]s, [[stepladder]]s, [[training weapon]]s, [[wheelbarrow]]s, and many other items* of various usefulness and importance.
: (*[[Crossbow]]s and [[bolt]]s could fall here, too, but those often deserve to be made of a weapons-grade metal.)

Unless, of course, the embark location has trees aplenty, making it viable to use wood for most everything, including pots, though this obviously requires a sufficient amount of woodcutters, wood crafters, axes, and contempt towards the <s>tree-huggers</s> elves.

== Forging and melting ==

* Metal pots cost '''one''' [[metal]] bar to forge, or '''one''' [[adamantine]] wafer.

* When a pot is [[Melt item|melted]] down, it will return '''0.3''' metal bars/adamantine wafers for an efficiency of '''30%'''.

== Bugs ==
* Pots will not be used for processing [[sweet pod]]s into [[dwarven syrup]]. {{Bug|4356}}
* Dwarves will sometimes leave pots in furniture stockpile even when using them to store food. {{Bug|1833}}

== See also ==
* [[Container]]

{{Translation| dwarven = or tezad | elvish = lacifa momo | goblin = sted ag | human = lod utag}}

{{Gamedata|{{raw|DF2014:item_tool.txt|ITEM_TOOL|ITEM_TOOL_LARGE_POT}}|title=Raws for pot as a [[tool]]}}

{{Category|Items}}
[[ru:Large pot]]

Axle

2023-12-13T02:27:26Z

Pixelpusher220: Swapped icons to match Horizontal | Vertical descriptions

{{migrated article}}
{{Quality|Unrated}}
{{av}}
{{V50 machine|name=Vertical axle|key=A
|icon=<div style="margin-left:12px;">[[File:vertical_axle_icon.png]]
|construction=
* 1 [[Log]]
|construction_job=
* [[Mechanic|Mechanics]]
|power=Uses 1 power per tile.
}}
{{V50 machine|name=Horizontal axle|key=a
|construction=
* [[Log]]s
|icon=[[File:horizontal_axle_icon.png]]</div>
|construction_job=
* [[Mechanic|Mechanics]]
|power=Uses 1 power per tile.
}}

'''Axles''' are used to transmit [[power]] (as generated by a [[windmill]] or [[water wheel]]) over a distance. There are two types: vertical axles move power between [[z-level]]s, while horizontal axles move it north, south, east or west within a given level. Axles consume 1 unit of power per tile.

''For a basic overview of how the different machine parts work and work together, see [[machine component]].''

[[File:axle_ex.jpg|thumb|260px|center|Mechanics of an axle.]]

== Construction ==
Axles are constructed via the [[machine component]]s screen: ({{Menu icon|b|m|a|sep=-}}) for horizontal, ({{Menu icon|b|m|A|sep=-}}) for vertical; axles are never diagonal. Axles require the carpenter labor, and use logs, but the number of logs needed varies with the length and orientation of the axle. As they are made of wood, axles are NOT magma-proof, except for those made of [[nether-cap]].

Vertical axles require one log for every z-level. Horizontal axles require one log for 1-3 tiles length, two for 4-7, or three for 8-10. When making a long chain of axles, building them in groups of 7 tiles long uses the least amount of logs, with an efficiency of 3.5 tiles per log. If you are feeling lazy, building them in groups of 10 tiles is nearly as efficient: 3.33 tiles per log.* Horizontal axles run East–West by default, but can be built oriented North–South.

: (* Tile distances of 14, 21, 24, 28, 31, 34, 35, 38, 41, 42, 44, 45, 48, 49, 51, 52, 54, 55, 58, 59, 61-66, and 68+ will save you a log or more. Any other distance and the logs/tile used will be the same.)

Changing direction 90° requires a [[gear assembly]] at the corner between two perpendicular axles, whether the change is horizontal or vertical. The gear and the axles do not overlap into the same tile, but sit next to or on top of each other in adjacent tiles. Once they are adjacent, the [[power]] transfer is automatic; gear assemblies can be linked to a lever (or [[Pressure plate|other trigger]]) to stop the power transfer.

Floor tiles will obstruct the transfer of power over z-levels, so [[channel]]s need to be dug through every floor through which a vertical axle passes. (It is not possible to build a vertical axle through [[stairs]].) Be sure to build vertical axle stacks from the bottom z-level up. You cannot build the axle on open space (like directly below a [[windmill]]), but can build it on open space that has another axle, [[gear assembly]], or machine directly below.

Axles do not block unit movement and can be crossed by dwarves and minecarts without danger. But keep in mind that digging channels for a vertical axle usually results in a hole that cannot be crossed.
Also keep in mind that digging a deep vertical shaft for axles (for example, to bring power from a windmill on the surface to a [[roller]] in a deep underground mine shaft) has the danger of a dwarf falling down the pit, with predictable results.

{{Category|Machine components}}

{{buildings}}

Stone management

2023-05-14T21:08:22Z

Pixelpusher220: /* Furniture */

{{migrated article}}
{{Quality|Unrated}}
{{av}}An established fortress with a reasonable amount of [[mining]] may create excess [[stone]]s and [[ore]]s—roughly one fourth of all excavated rock tiles will produce a stone. These stones may have a detrimental effect on the functionality and aesthetics of a fortress, so '''stone management''' techniques are often used.

On the other hand, it is possible for established fortresses with large [[mason]]ry projects to find themselves running out of stone. The easiest way to fix this issue is to use [[clay]] (if available) or to make stone [[block]]s to make constructions with.

== Problems ==
[[File:rockmess.png|thumb|190px|right|"It's not my turn to clean that up."]]Loose stones can interfere with regular operation of your fortress, particularly with buildings and stockpiles. When placing a building, any loose stones will normally be moved outside of the building tiles by the constructing dwarf. However, stones that are forbidden, already associated with another task, or placed upon the construction site after the designation will cause the construction to be suspended. Loose stones located in a designated [[stockpile]] can prevent the use of the occupied tile until the stone is removed, effectively shrinking your stockpile.

Loose stones can also "hide" other content on a tile (since the game displays only a single item per tile). This can make finding specific items more difficult, and occasionally result in overlooked rotten items producing miasma that disgusts dwarves. Additionally, some players find these stones unsightly, ruining the aesthetic appeal of their fortresses.

== Solutions ==

=== Dumping / Quantum Stockpiling ===
This method is easy and useful. However, some view it as an [[exploit]], and it may not be allowed in future versions.

# Make a [[zone]] of 1×1 or 1×2 tiles, preferably either near the stones you want to get rid of or your stone-needy [[workshop]]s, and mark it as a garbage dump.
# Press {{k|i|p|sep=→}} and select some stones, and the stones will be marked for dumping.
# A dwarf with refuse-hauling enabled will take the stone to the garbage dump.
# Every dumped stone will be marked as "[[forbid]]den." Use the [[stocks]] menu to globally un-forbid types of stone, or use the designation 'Reclaim Items' {{k|i|F|sep=→}}.
* '''Advantages''':
** No matter how many stones you mark for dumping, they will all be placed on the same tiny garbage tile. Conceivably, every single stone and ore in the fortress can fit on 1 tile.
** You can use keybinds to hide all the stone in a dump quickly.
** Dumping stone, instead of just hiding, doesn't interfere with stockpiles (unless the dump is on a stockpile).
** Placing your quantum stockpile near your mason or craftsdwarf workshop provides a convenient source of raw materials and greatly speeds up production.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Considered by some to be an exploit.
** Anything else you dump will end up on those piles too.
** Dwarves will [[traffic|crawl over one another]] to get to a 1×1 dump.
** Requires user oversight when using several temporary dumps.
** It can take a long time to clear all the stone from an area, so you may want to be strategic about which stones you dump and hide the rest.
** Having multiple garbage dumps will cause the haulers to occasionally choose far away dump zones, spreading the stones out and making removal take longer.
** You have to claim stones for them to be used after they are dumped.
** Dumping lots of stones from several different areas can cause Dwarves to run long distances since the AI doesn't look for the closest stone. So it's best to dump stone from a single area at a time.

=== Stockpiling ===
Stone can be selectively hauled by using two linked stockpiles. The first stockpile is placed over the area to be cleared, and the second is placed over the stones' final destination. Both of these stockpiles are set to take from links only, and the stockpiles are linked so that the first stockpile feeds into the second. More than two stockpiles may be linked in this fashion.
* '''Advantages''':
** Unlike quantum stockpiling, is not generally considered an exploit.
** Uses "Stone hauling" labor (instead of "Refuse hauling" for a quantum stockpile).
** Multiple linked stockpile areas can operate simultaneously and independently without cross-contamination.
** Linking stockpiles prevents dwarves from hauling stones from all over the fortress.
** No reclamation required--stockpiled stones are readily available to your masons and crafters.
** If the stockpiles to be cleared are already in place, part of the work is already done.
** The use of wheelbarrows enables stones to be moved more quickly by fewer dwarves.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** If the stockpiles to be cleared are intended for immediate use, they'll have to be linked to whichever workshop needs them.
** Temporary stockpiles have to be kept track of.
** The link status of permanent stockpiles has to be kept track of.
** Requires relatively large stockpile areas to clear stone quickly--in general, an empty destination stockpile can remove stone from an area four times as large as the stockpile.

=== Hiding ===
Extra stone lying around in out-of-the-way areas causes little problems beyond being unsightly. Hide stones by using {{k|i|h|sep=→}}.
Note that hidden items still interfere with buildings and stockpiles. Worse, buildings may be suspended for no apparent reason and stockpiles will appear to have blank tiles (since the stone is hidden), but those tiles are actually unusable. This can be troublesome when your food stockpile appears to have room but your kitchen and farms clog up with food that will rot. Or furniture cluttering up the carpentry/masonry shop due to hidden stone blocking the furniture stockpile. For this reason, it is best to use a different method to handle stones in your fortress proper.
* '''Advantages''':
** Instantaneous - no dwarf effort required.
** Trivially resolves the "ugly stone" problem.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Doesn't actually dispose of the stone.
** Hidden stones can still cause functional problems, and prove more difficult to track down.

=== Using Stone ===
Perhaps the most "dwarfy" way to deal with excess stone is to ramp up production and use it to enrich your fortress.

==== Fancy Floors ====
You can use excess stones to construct a floor ({{k|b|n|f|sep=→}}) on any standard floor tile. Similarly, you can construct a paved [[road]] or a [[bridge]], with the added benefits of training your architect and providing the possibility for your dwarves to experience happy [[thought]]s when walking across the tile.
* '''Advantages''':
** You are guaranteed to have plenty of space for flooring.
** You can get the stone back, if you need it later, by designating the floor for removal or deconstructing the road/bridge.
** Building roads and bridges trains your architect, resulting in higher-value constructions for your fortress.
** Roads and bridges can generate happy thoughts when your dwarves walk across them--something even an engraved floor is currently unable to do.
** Bridges built over engraved floors do not destroy the engraving, maximizing room value and happiness.
** constructed floors can be engraved (as of version .50) leading to a higher value room than just engraving a smoothed stone floor.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Requires extensive dwarven effort (masons and/or architects) and can distract your lengendary dwarves from more important tasks.
** Roads and bridges block further construction in the tile until the road/bridge is removed.
** Getting the stone back requires additional effort.
** When removing a constructed floor over a high-value base tile (gems, ore), the floor may revert to the layer stone type{{bug|1370}} (significantly reducing the value).

====Furniture====
Use your [[stone carver]]s to the fullest by creating doors, hatch covers, chairs, tables, coffers, cabinets, and statues. This trains your stone carver's skill, and the resultant high-quality furniture has the best chance of causing happy [[thought]]s. Low-quality furniture can be traded to caravans, used to distract/delay [[building destroyer]]s, or disposed of (using an [[Dwarven atom smasher|atom smasher]], [[magma]], or a simple [[dump]] zone).
* '''Advantages''':
** More high-quality furniture leads to happier dwarves.
** Increases "displayed" wealth when furniture is installed (and "created wealth" upon construction).
** Trains stone carver skill.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Furniture storage requires as much room as stone storage, though it is hauled faster.
** Disposing of excess low-quality furniture can take additional time (and is significantly limited by weight when trading with caravans).

====Crafts====
Skilled [[Craftsdwarf|Craftsdwarves]] can produce large quantities of rock crafts very quickly. This trades the problem of tons of stone to the much easier problem of pounds of crafts. Crafts are far lighter, much more valuable, stackable in finished goods [[bin]]s, and counted as "created items" and "created wealth" (which are used in several calculations behind-the-scenes). Stone crafts can be [[trade]]d for more useful items from any [[caravan]].
* '''Advantages''':
** Very compact storage, and great fodder for trade caravans.
** Increases "created wealth" and "created items" count.
** Trains stonecrafting skill.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** High stonecrafting skill is not extremely useful.
** Easily produces more crafts than necessary to purchase an entire caravan. (Unless you find that a good thing)

====Encrusting====
[[Gem cutter]]s can turn stone into [[cabochon]]s, which can then be [[encrust]]ed into furniture or crafts by a [[gem setter]]. This synergizes well with the two above options, unless most of your boulders are of the same material.
* '''Advantages''':
** Decorations aren't considered separate items and so don't contribute to weight, clutter, or lag.
** Expensive furniture makes dwarves happy.
** Trains gem cutters and gem setters without wasting valuable gems.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Requires a supply of items to encrust.
** Items cannot be normally decorated with their base material, nor with the same material twice, which becomes a problem if you have a lot of identical stone.

====Constructions====
You can also use stones (or [[block]]s) to build large structures above ground, and floors on soil layers like sand, silt, and loam. The [[construction]] interface might be slow, but not only do you use up the stone from your excavations, you also create usable indoor space without having to mine any additional stone.
* '''Advantages''':
** Creates more usable space.
** Can qualify as a [[megaprojects|megaproject]].
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Mining creates more valuable and generally safer usable space in a fraction of the time.
** Dwarves move slowly when hauling loose stone across your fortress and building constructions out of it.

====Defense====
Stone can provide some defense for your fortress as well. Stone-fall [[trap]]s require one [[mechanism]] (which can be created from stone) and one stone. [[Siege engine|Catapults]] can use up stone and train [[Siege operator|siege operators]], as well as providing minimal defense. With the recent falling damage updates, simply dropping a stone multiple z-levels proves quite deadly to those unlucky enough to be underneath.
* '''Advantages''':
** Provides minimal defense.
** Catapults train siege operating skill, and can be useful for [[cross-training]] military units.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** Most other traps are more effective than stone-fall traps.
** Catapults are generally ineffective against even lightly-armored foes.
** Dropping large amounts of stone on invaders requires significant micromanagement.
[[ru:Stone management]]

Strange mood

2023-03-17T03:50:22Z

Pixelpusher220: Added additional workaround to Possessed dwarf not selecting available materials

{{migrated article}}
{{Quality|Unrated}}
{{av}}
{{buggy|bugsection=Bugs}}
{{minorspoiler}}
[[File:strange_mood_prev.png|thumb|350px|right|A dwarf losing ownership of his mind. ''Artwork by Zippy'']]
Periodically, individual [[Dwarf|dwarves]] are struck with an idea for a [[legendary artifact]] and enter a '''strange mood'''. Dwarves which enter a strange mood will stop whatever they are doing and pursue the construction of this artifact to the exclusion of all else-they will not stop to eat, drink, or sleep. Pretty much the only thing that can pause a 'mooded' dwarf is giving birth, after which they will immediately get back to making the artifact. If they do not manage to begin construction of the artifact within a handful of months, they will go [[#Failure|insane]] and die soon afterward.

Note: All controllable civilizations with the {{token|STRANGE_MOODS}} token are able to enter strange moods, though, by default, the only civilization this applies to is dwarves.

==Overview==
[[File:mood_announce_v50_x2.png|right]]Once your fortress has at least 20 dwarves, occasionally, one of them will be struck by a "strange mood". These largely random events will be seen as an [[announcement]], and will pause the game.

A dwarf struck by a strange mood will seek an appropriate workshop, immediately claim it for the duration of the mood, attempt to collect the materials to create their [[artifact]] of choice, and, once those have been collected, proceed to do so. Depending on the exact mood (see [[Strange mood#Types of moods|types of moods]], below), both the workshop and the artifact are based on the highest "moodable skill" of that dwarf (see "[[Strange mood#Skills and Workshops|Skills and Workshops]]", below).

At the end of this process, if successful, the dwarf will '''usually''' gain enough [[experience]] to become Legendary (or higher), and then return to life as normal, but now with a Legendary skill. The "possessed" mood is an exception to this rule, as it does not grant any experience upon completion.

A dwarf cannot be struck by more than one mood in their lifetime.

=== In fortress mode ===
[[File:workshop_claimed_sample.png|thumb|300px|right|Information from a forcefully claimed workshop.]]
# The game will announce that the dwarf has entered one of five different types of strange moods. The [[#Types of moods|types of moods]] are listed below. While in a mood, a dwarf will display a blinking exclamation point (see [[Status icon|status icons]]).
# For the duration of the mood, the dwarf will claim a workshop related to the skill that the mood affects (not all skills are eligible), kick out any dwarf who was using it, and render it otherwise unusable until the mood has ended. If a moody dwarf does not claim a workshop, it is because the appropriate workshop does not exist. (See [[#Skills and workshops|skills and workshops]] below to determine which workshop(s) might be required.) A moody dwarf will ''not'' be able to build a needed workshop; another dwarf with the appropriate [[labor]] designation must do so for them, if one is necessary. Furnaces are also counted as a workshop.
# After claiming a workshop, the dwarf will set about collecting the required materials for their artifact. If the dwarf remains idle inside the workshop, it's because they cannot find the right material. Reference the [[#Demands|demands]] section to determine what may be required. Important Note: They will only collect these materials in the order that they require them. In other words, you have to determine where they are on the list of required materials and then provide the next one before they will continue collecting other materials.
# Once all materials have been gathered, the game will once again pause and center, and the moody dwarf will begin construction. Upon completion, the dwarf will create a semi-random artifact related to the skill affected and gain [[legendary]] (or higher) status in that skill (unless the mood type is [[#Possessed|possessed]]). See the [[#Skills and workshops|skills and workshops]] for information on which skills can be gained, or the [[#Artifacts created|artifacts created]] section for more details on the artifacts themselves.
# While you have some control over the skill the dwarf uses, and so some (but less) control over the type of artifact created, and (with some effort) the materials used, you have no control over which dwarf is struck by a mood, nor the type of mood that strikes them, nor the specific type of artifact created.
# The conditions necessary for a strange mood to occur have been fully understood due to a disassembly of the game; see below for the exact mechanics.

===In world generation===
Long before your seven dwarves [[embark]] on their adventure, non-player dwarves may also be struck by strange moods during world generation, albeit these are treated more abstractly. These events are a primary source of non-player artifacts that are scattered across the outside world when the game starts (see [[Mission]]). They have the same properties and quality as any artifact your fortress could have produced, and may be stolen or pillaged just like any other non-player artifact.

== Skills and workshops ==
If struck by a Fey, Secretive or Possessed mood, the workshop and artifact will be based on the highest "moodable skill" that a dwarf possesses. Not all skills are moodable. Fell and Macabre moods will either claim a butcher's shop and use Bonecarving, or a tanner's shop and use Tanning (see [[Strange mood#Types of moods|Types of moods]], below).

{| class="wikitable sortable" cellpadding="4" style="border:1px solid black;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;float:right;margin:0 0 20px 30px;vertical-align:top;"
|-
! Highest skill
! Workshop required
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Armorsmith]]
| [[Metalsmith's forge]] (or [[Magma forge]])
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Bone carver]]
| [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Bowyer]]
| [[Bowyer's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Carpenter]]
| [[Carpenter's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Clothier]]
| [[Clothier's shop]]
|- style="background-color:lightgray"
| [[Engraver]]
| [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Gem cutter]]
| [[Jeweler's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Gem setter]]
| [[Jeweler's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Glassmaker]]
| [[Glass furnace]] (or [[Magma glass furnace]])
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Leatherworker]]
| [[Leather works]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Mason]]
| [[Stoneworker's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Mechanic]]
| [[Mechanic's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Metal crafter]]
| [[Metalsmith's forge]] (or [[Magma forge]])
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Blacksmith|Metalsmith]]
| [[Metalsmith's forge]] (or [[Magma forge]])
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Miner]]
| [[Stoneworker's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:lightgray"
| [[Stone crafter]]
| [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Tanner]]
| [[Leather works]]
|- style="background-color:palegreen"
| [[Weaponsmith]]
| [[Metalsmith's forge]] (or [[Magma forge]])
|- style="background-color:wheat"
| [[Weaver]]
| [[Clothier's shop]]
|- style="background-color:lightgray"
| [[Wood crafter]]
| [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]]
|- style="background-color:lightgray"
| <none>
| [[Craftsdwarf's workshop]]
|}

A dwarf will claim a workshop according to their highest applicable skill, and upon completion of the artifact, gain 20,000 [[experience]] in that skill (excepting [[Strange mood#Possessed|possessed]] dwarves). This will give the dwarf a legendary-level [[skill]] (specifically, "legendary+1" or higher, depending on the dwarf's initial skill level). The table to the right describes all applicable skills and their potential workshop requirements – there are only 20 skills that determine the workshop and that can be affected by a mood (sometimes referred to as '''moodable''' skills.) If a dwarf does not possess at least one of the moodable skills listed to the right, they will take over a [[craftsdwarf's workshop]] and gain one of [[bone carver]], [[stone crafter]], or [[wood crafter]] skills, producing an artifact [[craft]].

When selecting the desired mood skill, only the level itself is checked, and if the highest level found is shared by multiple skills, then one will be selected randomly.

This fact can be utilized to maximize the possibility of getting a dwarf with the specific legendary skill you want: since ''non''-moodable skills are ignored, whenever possible make sure that each dwarf's highest ''moodable'' skill is one of those you want. Have all your peasants, [[farmer]]s, non-professional military and other dwarves without any moodable skills do one job each in the skill(s) you most want; if a "[[experience|dabbling]]" skill is the highest moodable skill they have, that is the skill that will be used. [[Guildhall]]s related to moodable skills may both help and hinder, as demonstrations will increase skill levels without any jobs being done.

[[Scholar]]s may discuss mechanics as part of their work and gain a small amount of experience in it. This is the only skill that scholars discuss that is moodable.

=== "Best" skills ===
Some skills produce generally useful and valuable items, and others produce only trinkets or jewelry. While "best" is very subjective, balancing the artifact itself with the Legendary skill the mood (usually!) produces, and both of those against the needs and goals of the current fortress, generally speaking the skills can be broken down into tiers of usefulness.

Note that in addition to an artifact, the mood will (usually) raise the dwarf to Legendary in the chosen skill; often this is, from a practical standpoint, more valuable than an artifact, so you might consider trying to push poorly-trained dwarves towards moodable skills you have a need for, instead, in case they are struck by a mood.

* [[Weaponsmith]] is one of the "best" skills. While the moody dwarf might create a questionable lead spear or lightweight aluminum mace, the odds are they'll create something that is still more deadly than its ☼steel☼ equivalent. And with a little manipulation, you can at least make sure the item ''is'' steel, although they could still give you a non-dwarf weapon. [[Mechanic]] is a close second for reliability and usefulness –- any mechanism's [[quality]] modifies the chance for a trap to hit its target, an artifact [[Trap#Weapon trap|weapon trap]] never jams{{verify}}, and an artifact lever in a room will make its value skyrocket (even if not connected to anything!).
* [[Armorsmith]] is similarly valuable, having a decent chance to create something with exceptional value for your military (or at least one member of it), but, similar to weapons, this requires manipulating available material to avoid getting [[Armor#Material|soft]], useless gold or lead [[armor]] pieces. And, while moody [[Bowyer]]s can create artifact wood/bone [[crossbow]]s of great accuracy, they can also give you [[blowgun]]s. Good luck with either one.
* Artifact [[furniture]] is unbreakable by building destroyers and creates otherwise-impossible fortress defense options. A dwarf with a preference for doors, hatches, or floodgates will always produce that item, which can then be locked against many enemies that would otherwise break through. It can also have huge monetary worth for improving room value, and placing an artifact item where all can pass by and admire it will be good for general morale. These skills include [[Mason]]s, [[Miner]]s (who are treated the same as masons), [[Carpenter]]s, and [[Blacksmith|Metalsmith]]s. Many of these can also produce items from the lower-utility lists, below. But maybe you'll get an artifact [[mug]] for your tavern. Good luck with that, too.
* These next are (very?) odds-against; chances are good that they'll produce something on one of the ''next'' lists, or at best some nice furniture, but there's a (very) small chance it'll be something truly useful as well as valuable. [[Clothier]]s can make an artifact [[rope]], and [[metal crafter]]s can create [[chain]]s, either of which can be used for your main [[well]]. Similarly with a [[carpenter]] or [[blacksmith]] and [[bucket]]s. [[Glassmaker]]s can create an artifact trap component. [[Leatherworker]]s and [[tanner]]s can create [[shield]]s, and both they and [[bone carver]]s can create artifact Leather/Bone Armor pieces, which are great if you have Hunters, etc. Which are all better than the next two...
* Next to last are skills that produce an artifact that could only be worn by one dwarf, and perhaps admired by others they come in contact with. [[Clothier]]s and [[weaver]]s fall just below some of the above: for no ability to produce anything except wearable, non-military items. [[Gem cutter]]s and [[Gem setter]]s can fall on this list too, as creating something of pure monetary value and no practical use in your dwarven society.
* Last on the list are "crafts" – surprisingly valuable trinkets in the form of amulets, totems, rings, figurines – or, at best, crowns, which at least ''sound'' impressive. These skills are [[engraver]], [[stone crafter]], and [[wood crafter]] (and a distinct chance from several of the skills mentioned earlier: [[bone carver]], [[gem cutter]], [[gem setter]], [[glassmaker]], and [[metalcrafter]].)
:* Peasants, defined here as having no moodable skill, always produce from the crafts list: It's always a good idea to have every newly arrived "peasant" migrant craft just one item from the moodable skill of your choice, to avoid such a tragic waste of dwarfcraft.

== Types of moods ==
For each of the following types of moods, the first message is how the mood is [[Announcement|announced]]; the second message appears in the dwarf's profile when he or she is viewed with the {{K|v}} key. All moody dwarves will have "Strange Mood" listed as their active task and are "quite content", regardless of any recent [[thought]]s they may have had.

=== Fey ===
* {{Gametext|<dwarf> is taken by a fey mood!|7:1}}
: ''Has the aspect of one fey!''

This is the most basic strange mood. Fey dwarves will clearly state their demands when the workshop they are in is examined.

=== Secretive ===
* {{Gametext|<dwarf> withdraws from society...|7:0}}
: ''Peculiarly secretive...''

Secretive moods are the same as fey moods, except a secretive dwarf will sketch pictures of their required materials instead of clearly stating their demands if they cannot find what they need. Descriptions of all these [[#Demands|secretive requirements]] can be seen only by viewing the workshop that the moody dwarf has claimed, with {{k|q}}, and then only while the dwarf is waiting inside it. More than one "picture" is likely; these will cycle through the entire list automatically if any one is not available. (Since materials are gathered ''in order'', it's quite possible that only one of a long list is needed to allow the moody dwarf to continue on their project. If the dwarf has gathered some of the materials (seen as "tasked" when looking at the workshop with {{k|t}}), then the next in the list is what they are looking for.)

=== Possessed ===
* {{Gametext|<dwarf> has been possessed!|5:1}}
: ''Possessed by unknown forces!''

Possessed dwarves have cryptic material requests, and have the unfortunate distinction of not receiving any experience upon the successful construction of an artifact. No controllable circumstances lead to a possessed mood instead of one of the more desirable fey or secretive moods, it is purely luck-based. Possessed dwarves will mutter the name of the artifact they are working on (which, under some circumstances, might end up being ''their own name'') once they have all the materials they need.

Possession is the only mood that does '''''not''''' result in a jump in [[experience]].

A possessed dwarf that "keeps muttering <name of the artifact>..." has already gathered everything they need.

=== Fell ===
* {{Gametext|<dwarf> looses a roaring laughter, fell and terrible!|5:0}}
: ''Has a horrible fell look!''

A dwarf that goes into a fell mood will try to take over a [[butcher's shop]] or a [[tanner's shop]]. If neither are available, any other workshop will be used instead. The dwarf will then ''murder'' the nearest dwarf, drag the corpse into the shop and make some sort of object out of dwarf [[leather]] or [[bone]]. The unfortunate dwarf is killed on the spot – no dragging to the workshop, just sneaking up behind them, killing them, and dragging their corpse to the workshop. Once the artifact is completed, the fell dwarf will become a legendary [[bone carver]] or [[leatherworker]]. Only unhappy dwarves may enter a fell mood.

Amusingly, it seems fell dwarves can also murder [[ghost]]s. If they do, they will murder a living dwarf as well, since ghosts obviously don't yield a corpse to butcher.{{bug|4681}}

Aside from the loss of a potentially important dwarf in the wrong place at the wrong time, there doesn't seem to be any downside to a fell mood. The end result is always an artifact and a legendary craftsdwarf. Since the only ingredient used (a dwarf) is available in abundance, a fell mood will only fail if the fell dwarf is completely isolated from other dwarves, or if the proper workshop does not exist.

If no one is around to witness the murder, whichever dwarf Urist McEmo decides to slaughter will be reported as missing some time after their death. If the murder is witnessed (or if the <s>idiot</s> dwarf in fell mood reports themself), the moody dwarf will be subject to dwarven [[justice]].

=== Macabre ===
* {{Gametext|<dwarf> begins to stalk and brood...|0:1}}
: ''Brooding darkly...''

Macabre moods are similar to fell moods, but the dwarf will not murder a fellow dwarf. A macabre dwarf may require [[bone]]s, [[skull]]s, or vermin [[remains]]; if you do not happen to have any, you will have to make some, e.g. by butchering an animal and/or allowing a [[cat]] to go hunting, or let the moody dwarf go [[insane]]. Like fell moods, only unhappy dwarves can enter macabre moods.

==Caveats==
* Shells are perhaps the most difficult-to-obtain material for a strange mood, though there are several {{catlink|Shell|creatures}} that produce shells. Some of these, such as [[armadillo]]s and [[common snapping turtle]]s, are butcherable. Vermin from [[fishing]] are the easiest and most renewable source of shells. [[Pond turtle]]s are common in many embarks in [[murky pool]]s, but usually only appear in small numbers, and can go extinct easily. A stream or river almost guarantees a functionally inexhaustible supply of [[mussel]]s. [[Nautilus]]es can also serve as sources of shells when cleaned at a fishery. Nevertheless, shells are rare and hard to acquire. Currently, the only way of trading for shells is to hope that the [[elven]] caravan brings some tamed shell-producing large creature. Traded [[cave lobster]]s and [[turtle]]s are ''processed'' fish (with the shells already removed). Tamed vermin with shells cannot be butchered for their shells, since the only way to get a vermin's shell is to [[Fish cleaning|clean]] it. Since all shelled non-vermin animals are [[exotic pet|exotic]], only elves will bring them. If you should be fortunate enough to acquire some breeding, shelled, butcherable animals, it's probably worth keeping a breeding pair around in case of future need. Only dwarves with a [[preference]] for shells will demand shells in a strange mood.
* All demands for cloth are for a specific generic type (plant, silk, or yarn). Clothiers and Weavers will demand [[adamantine]] cloth if any is available, otherwise the type will be the generic form of the dwarf's first cloth preference, or a randomly chosen variety if the dwarf has no preference (or if the cloth is for a decoration, not the primary material). Types of cloth your fortress has not produced are '''not''' excluded, so it's best to keep a few bolts of each type of cloth in reserve.
* Should the claimed workshop be a [[magma forge]] and lose power due to insufficient magma beneath it, the mood will fail immediately and the dwarf will go [[insanity|insane]]. Should the forge be in danger of losing power, you should forbid it before it is claimed and wait until it is powered up reliably. Once magma forges are built, at least some dwarves will no longer be satisfied with a regular forge.
* Similarly, if a workshop claimed by a dwarf is deconstructed, destroyed or [[Creature_token#BUILDING_DESTROYER|toppled]] the mood will immediately fail and the dwarf will go insane.
* The mood's primary material will only be mentioned ''once'' in the dwarf's requests, even if the dwarf wants more than one unit of it. [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=75139.0]
* The item type of the artifact to be created is not decided until the instant the mood ''ends''. Saving (even after a dwarf has begun to gather materials) will allow you to reload and the result may be a different artifact (unless the moody dwarf's preferences force a particular item type). If you want to get an artifact platinum warhammer, make sure to have platinum nearby and/or block access to any other materials.
* You can restart the artifact creating process, even after the dwarf has gathered most of the components, by forbidding the claimed items (use {{k|t}} to view the contents of the workshop, select the undesired material, and press {{k|f}} to forbid it). If other items of that type are available, the dwarf will immediately switch to them.
* Each request for bones is actually a request for any kind of bone [[stack]], not individual bones. If they request bones more than one time, then they need that many stacks. Any size stack will do and the entire stack will be used. Bones come from [[butcher]]ing, rotted animal corpses do not count, even if they are skeletons. [[Tame]] animal corpses, whether they were pets or strays, can only be butchered as a result of a [[Butcher#Slaughtering|slaughter]] task, tame animals that died by any other means cannot be butchered. Slaughter a puppy. [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=105002.0]

== Demands ==
Once a workshop is claimed, the dwarf will begin collecting materials. Each artifact will require 1-3 "base items" and up to 7 additional items for decorations. The dwarf may well need several items of one material!

If the moody dwarf remains idle, then the necessary materials are not available. [[Forbid|Forbidden]] items must be reclaimed ({{K|d}} – {{K|b}} – {{K|c}}) before they may be used, but moody dwarves will ignore settings regarding [[economic stone]]. Press {{K|q}} and highlight the workshop to receive a series of clues about what the dwarf needs. '''Hints that stay active for longer than 2 seconds mean that multiple pieces of that material will be required; each single demand will be displayed for 2 seconds, so if it says "gems... shining" for 6 seconds, 3 gems are demanded. However, the mood's primary material will always be shown for only 2 seconds, even if more than one is required.''' Materials will always be fetched ''in order'', so if at least one item has already been retrieved (the items will show up with "TSK" ("task") next to them when the workshop is viewed with the {{K|t}} context menu), it will usually be possible to tell what item is required next.

If you want your dwarves to construct their artifacts out of valuable materials instead of whatever useless thing happens to be close at hand, you can selectively forbid types of material through the stocks screen so that only the material you want them to use is available; though this might interfere with the normal crafting operations of your fortress, the disruption is generally short-lived (as long as you remember to unforbid them again afterwards!). You can even forbid something a moody dwarf is carrying (which may be necessary sometimes, since while they are not waiting in the workshop, they will not tell you what they need); the dwarf will finish hauling it to the workshop, but then immediately go searching for another. This trick can mean the difference between a bauxite statue decorated with moss agates and a native platinum statue encrusted with diamonds. Be aware that this may not always work – see below for more information.

Burrows allow even better control over a moody dwarf's material usage. Simply by creating a burrow around the claimed workshop and another part over the desired material, a moody dwarf can be controlled without forbidding every single stone in the fortress. A moody dwarf will follow the burrow definitions just like a regular worker, but be mindful that they will not leave the burrow to get materials that are outside of their assigned burrow. A problem can arise when bones from an outside refuse stockpile are needed by a moody dwarf that is assigned to a burrow.

Possessed dwarves have been observed to demand items of a specific material. In this case, the dwarf will idle in the Workshop shouting for item categories that are in fact available, reclaiming items that were forbidden in order to make the moody dwarf use items of more valuable materials fixed that problem in the past. Forbidding the already collected items, may cause the item selection process to restart with different and actually available items.

The various demands are translated here:

:{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;width:90%;"
|-
! Material
! Fey
! Secretive
! Possessed
|-
|
| <dwarf> screams "I must have <demand>!"
| <dwarf> sketches pictures of <demand>.
| <dwarf> mutters "<artifact> needs <demand>..."
|-
| [[Stone]]
| rock
| a quarry
| stone... rock
|-
| Stone/metal [[block]]s
| rock blocks
| square blocks
| blocks... bricks
|-
| [[Wood]]
| wood logs
| a forest
| tree... life
|-
| Metal [[bar]]
| metal bars
| shining bars of metal
| bars... metal
|-
| [[Gem]]s (cut)
| cut gems
| cut gems
| gems... shining
|-
| [[Gem]]s (raw)
| rough gems
| rough gems
| rough... color
|-
| Green [[glass]]
| raw green glass
| glass
| raw... green
|-
| Clear glass
| raw clear glass{{verify}}
| glass and burning wood
| raw... clear
|-
| Crystal glass
| raw crystal glass{{verify}}
| rough gems and glass
| raw... crystal
|-
| [[Bone]] [http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=105002.0;topicseen stack]
| bones
| skeletons
| bones... yes
|-
| [[Shell]] {{cite talk/this|Re:_.22Verify.22_on_the_shell_row_of_the_demands_table}}
| shells
| shells
| a shell...
|-
| [[Leather]]
| tanned hides
| stacked leather
| leather... skin
|-
| [[Cloth]] (plant fiber)
| plant cloth
| stacked cloth
| cloth... thread
|-
| [[Cloth]] (silk)
| silk cloth
| stacked cloth
| cloth... thread
|-
| [[Cloth]] (yarn)
| yarn cloth
| stacked cloth
| cloth... thread
|-
| [[Skull]]{{verify}}
| body parts
| death
| a corpse
|}

Dwarves in macabre moods will list their demands in the same fashion as those in fey moods (though with them brooding "Yes. I need <item>." instead of screaming "I must have <item>!"). They may also say "Leave me. I need... things... certain things", in which case they want special items, such as [[skull]]s or vermin [[remains]].

Related to the above behavior, moody dwarves demanding rock blocks will also accept blocks forged from metal bars.

*The first item demanded by the dwarf is based on the moodable skill being used – stoneworkers (miners, engravers, masons, stone crafters, and mechanics) will demand boulders, woodworkers (carpenters, wood crafters, and bowyers) will demand logs, leatherworkers and tanners will demand leather, weavers and clothiers will demand cloth, metalworkers will demand metal bars, gem cutters/setters will demand rough gems, glassmakers will demand raw glass, and bone carvers will demand bones.
**Metalworkers will demand adamantine wafers if any are available (unforbidden). If not, they will demand a preferred metal ''if'' you have ''ever'' smelted any bars of it – fey moods will state this outright, while for secretive moods and possessions, you will need to check the dwarf's [[preferences]] to see which metal they like. Metal bars acquired via [[trade]] or by melting down items (such as Goblinite) do ''not'' count as smelted. Otherwise, they will select any available metal(s).
**Weavers and clothiers will demand [[adamantine]] cloth if any is available (unforbidden). If not, they will demand a generic type of cloth (silk, plant fiber, or yarn) that matches a specific cloth preference (e.g. a dwarf that likes cave spider silk will require ''any'' type of silk cloth, and a dwarf who likes more than one type of cloth will demand whichever one appears first in their list). Dwarves without a cloth preference will demand a generic type at random.
**Glassmakers will demand their preferred type of glass ''if'' you've produced any of it (or if it's green glass); if they don't prefer any type of glass, they will randomly select one type of glass you've produced (though they will always assume you have created green glass). Note that acquiring raw glass from a caravan does ''not'' count as producing it.
**Dwarves in macabre moods will select either 1 vermin remains, 1 stack of bones, or 1-3 skulls.
**Bone carvers will demand shells if they like a type of shell; if not, they will demand bones.
**All preference-based material requests are decided the instant the mood begins – by the time the workshop is claimed, it is too late to change the dwarf's mind.
*The remaining "decoration" items are selected randomly from the following list: wood logs, metal bars, small gems, rock blocks, rough gems, boulders, bones, leather, plant/silk/yarn cloth, or raw glass (green/clear/crystal, based on what you've produced).
**Decoration items will never be the same type as the primary mood material.
**Certain mood professions will also explicitly avoid using certain items for decorations – most of these match up with the primary mood material, but miners, engravers, masons, and stonecrafters will additionally avoid requesting rock blocks.
**If you have not produced any raw glass in your fortress, moody dwarves will never request it.
**Dwarves in macabre moods have a 50% chance to replace each decoration item with either remains or bones.
*Gem cutters and gem setters have a 50% chance of only gathering a single rough gem and nothing else – when they do this, they produce a "perfect gem" with a single decoration.

Once all materials have been gathered, viewing the workshop with {{K|q}} will display a special message depending on the type of mood:
* Fey – "<dwarf> works furiously!"
* Secretive – "<dwarf> works secretly..."
* Possessed – "<dwarf> keeps muttering <artifact>..."
* Macabre – "<dwarf> works, darkly brooding..."
* Fell – "<dwarf> works with menacing fury!"

== The mechanics of moods ==

=== Frequency===
When a fortress is started, an internal counter is set to 1000. Every 100 frames (12 times per day), this counter is decremented by 1, running down to zero in about 3 months. When the counter would ordinarily be decremented when it has already reached zero, there is a 1 in 500 chance that a strange mood will strike. This means that, once all conditions are met and the clock is ticking, while there is approximately a 2.4% chance of a strange mood per day, or a ~52% chance of at least one strange mood per month, there is no guarantee when a mood will strike – might be sooner, might be (almost) never.

=== Conditions ===
In order for a dwarf to be struck with a strange mood, three conditions must be met:
:* There is no currently active strange mood,
:* The maximum number of artifacts is not met,
:* There are at least 20 eligible dwarves ''(see below)'', including dwarves who have already created artifacts.

If all three of these conditions are true, the game may trigger a strange mood according to the frequency.

==== Maximum number of artifacts ====
The maximum number of artifacts in any one fortress is limited by the lower of:
* The number of items created divided by 100.1 Mined-out rock ''does'' count as an "item created", though it is not clear whether bolts or units of drink are counted individually.
* The number of revealed [[subterranean]] tiles divided by 2304 (this is an area equivalent to a 48x48 square). Once you discover and explore the [[cavern]]s and [[magma sea]], this limit becomes largely irrelevant, and using a [[utilities#DFHack|"reveal" utility]] will eliminate it altogether, though strip-mining an area entirely and exposing it to the surface will count ''against'' this.
:1 – actually the sum of all items by type ''and'' by type+subtype+material, divided by 200. Furthermore, destroying items does '''not''' decrement these counters, so casting and mining [[obsidian]] will count toward this.

==== Eligibility ====
The deciding factor for eligibility is a dwarf's actual [[profession]]. ''(Note that "[[Skill#Professions|custom professions]]" have no effect on this!)'' Thus, dwarves may enter strange moods regardless of what skills they have or don't have, so long as they are of an acceptable profession. Dwarves who have already created an artifact are not eligible to create another, and since every mood ends in either an artifact or death, every dwarf may enter at most one mood. Dwarves who have obtained one or more legendary skills without creating artifacts ''may'' enter strange moods and will simply become even ''more'' legendary.

On-duty dwarves with a [[Soldier#Soldier professions|military profession]] other than "Recruit" ''cannot'' enter moods. Incidental military skills make no difference – eligibility (and weighting) depends purely on the actual ''[[profession]]'' as listed at the time (with the exception of unit leaders, whose on-duty and off-duty titles are the same). Soldiers are still capable of entering moods if they are ''off duty'' and thus in Civilian mode, but you don't have to worry about your axedwarves getting a burst of inspiration mid-combat and then wandering off to make a highest-quality craftsdwarfship gabbro scepter decorated with cow bone menacing spikes, cow bone rings and a cow bone image of hamster men while the trolls sack your settlement.

Children may enter moods, but babies will not.

Any other profession is eligible to enter a mood, but not all have the same ''chance'' to enter a mood.

:''('''Note''' – Specifically, and to avoid previous misunderstandings, [[Strand extractor]], [[Clerk]]/[[Administrator]]/[[Trader]], [[Doctor]] (and related), [[Soldier#Recruits|Recruit]] and [[Child]] ''are'' moodable professions.)''

There are several additional factors which will prevent a dwarf from entering a mood:
* Being unable to pick up items ("cannot grasp")
* Being dragged by/dragging another unit (off to [[jail]]/leading livestock to a [[cage]], [[chain]], [[pasture]], [[Activity zone#Pit/Pond|pit/pond zone]], or to the [[butcher's shop]] or [[farmer's workshop]].)

=== Chance ===
When determining who will have a strange mood, each eligible dwarf is put into a weighted lottery, where the chance of being selected is based on the dwarf's [[profession]]. Most professions receive 6 "tickets", but some receive additional tickets to improve their odds.

{| class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" border="2" cellpadding="5"
|-
! Weighting
! Professions
|-
| 21 ||Armorer, Blacksmith, Bone Carver, Clothier, Craftsdwarf, Jeweler, Gem Cutter, Gem Setter, Glassmaker, Leatherworker, Metalcrafter, Metalsmith, Stonecrafter, Weaponsmith, Weaver, Woodcrafter
|-
| 11 ||Bowyer, Carpenter, Stoneworker, Mason, Woodworker
|-
| 6 ||Engraver, Mechanic, Miner, Tanner, and all other [[profession]]s (including Peasant).
|}

:'''''Example:''' What this means is: if you had 21 dwarves, made up of 20 eligible farmers, furnace operators, miners, woodcutters etc. (with 6 chances each) plus one Armorer (with 21 chances), that one Armorer would have a 21 in 141 chance (20 dwarves x 6 chances each = 120 + 21 chances more = 141 total) of the mood striking them. That's about 1 in 7, while the other 20 have a 6 in 141 chance each, or about 1 in 24. The odds are still against the armorer, but much better than for any other single dwarf.''

Note that not every profession has a moodable skill. A Soaper, Architect, Furnace Operator or Strand Extractor can be taken by a mood, but that will not make those skills legendary, nor will they create an artifact bar of soap, building, bar of metal or wafer of adamantine.

=== Timing ===
A dwarf will go [[Insanity|insane]] after exactly 50000 ticks (which, at 1200 ticks per day, works out to 41.66 days, or almost a month and a half) waiting for an item they demand. However:
*The insanity countdown is reset after every item they bring to the workshop.
*It doesn't run while they are out getting something, working on their construction or on their way to claim a workshop. Only during time spent idling without either the required workshop or a required item do they spiral towards madness.
*Dwarves under strange moods do not feel hunger, thirst or drowsiness.

=== Fuel ===

{{D for dwarf}}

Curiously, [[metalsmith]]s in strange moods do not seem to require any [[fuel]] to complete their [[metal]] [[artifact]]s. It is believed that they, consumed by artistic passion, fuel the forges with their own beards, vigorously fanning the flaming hairs while they feed the furnace more beard. Such a sacrifice is a dwarf's own beard that only an artifact merits its removal. Only an artifact's completion can mollify its creator's shame; dwarves unable to complete this great pursuit go insane, not because of its failure, but because they cannot endure the inevitable humiliation.

Legend has it that the world's first [[elf]] once attempted to forge the world's most powerful artifact, imbued with magic to control all dwarves. But, because he could not suffer to cut a tree for fuel, he was unable to do so. Faced with no alternative, he kidnapped each of the seven ancient dwarves by tempting them with [[booze]], an unfamiliar drink to the first dwarves. He then forcefully shaved them and created [[charcoal]] from their beards.

Enraged by their loss, the dwarves set out to find the elf's home, based in the world's first tree. They startled the engrossed elf who fled with nothing but a handful of the tree's unborn children. After reclaiming the beard-charcoal, the dwarves set fire to this tree. Alight in flames hotter than the sun, the tree burned in what is believed to have been the world's hottest fire – a fire so hot that the tree's roots melted the inside of the earth, creating a worldwide [[magma sea]]. The elf watched this fire and swore revenge on the dwarves.

After realizing their beards could not be recovered from their charred state, the dwarves agreed to sprinkle the charcoal over the earth, as a gift and reminder to future dwarves. In doing so, they created the world's [[bituminous coal]] deposits. They then spent the next years searching for a way to create the drink they had been given. Discovering new drinks along their pursuit, the dwarves eventually perfected the hidden art of brewing booze and passed this emerging knowledge to coming generations.

== Artifacts created ==
The type of artifact created depends on the type of mood, the dwarf's highest moodable skill, and the base material. Masons and miners will always create some kind of stone furniture; bone carvers, a bone or shell object (including furniture); carpenters, a piece of wooden furniture; engravers and stone crafters, a stone craft; metalworkers, metal crafts, weapons, or armor (depending on the type of metalworker); weavers and clothiers, an article of clothing; tanners and leatherworkers, a leather armor or object. If a dwarf has no moodable skills, they will randomly select stone crafting, wood crafting, or bone carving as their mood skill and produce their artifact accordingly. The precise type of craft created is usually somewhat random, but if a dwarf has a personality preference for a particular item type, such as gauntlets or floodgates or crowns, and that thing is an available choice given the dwarf's profession, they are guaranteed to create an object of that type (if multiple preferences match, one will be randomly selected).

The first object grabbed by the dwarf will be the base material; all other materials will be used as [[decoration]]s. If a dwarf grabs a piece of [[chalk]] and makes a statue, for instance, it will be a "chalk statue", but an artifact can potentially include bone, cloth, gems, leather, metal, shell, stone, and wood decorations all at once. In some cases, a moody dwarf will produce an item which normally cannot be made from that material, leading to such odd constructions as an [[obsidian]] [[bed]], [[ruby]] [[floodgate]], or turtle [[shell]] [[cage]], but the actual item types available for each mood type are still very much restricted (e.g. only a glassmaker or jeweler can make a [[window]], and a moody clothier cannot produce an article of clothing that could not normally be made from cloth).

{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="4" style="border:1px solid black;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"
|-
! Mood / Skill
! Artifact type
|-
| [[Armorsmith]]
| Each equipment item with [METAL] (mail shirt, breastplate, leggings, greaves, gauntlet, low boot, high boot, cap, helm, mask), any shield
|-
| [[Bone carver]] (bone)
| Each equipment item with [BARRED] (leggings, greaves, gauntlet, helm), any shield, instrument, toy, door, bed, chair, table, statue, coffer, bin, armor stand, weapon rack, cabinet, coffin, floodgate, hatch cover, grate, chain, cage, animal trap, figurine, amulet, scepter, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, any weapon, any trap component†
|-
| [[Bone carver]] (shell)
| Each equipment item with [SCALED] (leggings, gauntlet, helm), figurine, amulet, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, chain, cage, animal trap, instrument, toy
|-
| [[Bowyer]]
| Each ranged weapon (crossbow, bow, blowgun)
|-
| [[Carpenter]]
| Door, bed, chair, table, statue, chest, bin, armor stand, weapon rack, cabinet, coffin, floodgate, hatch cover, grate, cage, barrel, bucket, animal trap, splint, crutch
|-
| [[Clothier]]
| rowspan=2| Each equipment item with [SOFT] (dress, shirt, tunic, toga, vest, robe, coat, cloak, cape, trousers, loincloth, thong, short skirt, skirt, long skirt, braies, glove, mitten, sock, sandal, shoe, chausses, cap, hood, mask, turban, head veil, face veil, headscarf), bag, rope
|-
| [[Weaver]]
|-
| [[Engraver]]
| Figurine, amulet, scepter, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, goblet, instrument, toy
|-
| Fell Mood
| rowspan=3| Each equipment item with [LEATHER] (dress, shirt, tunic, toga, vest, robe, coat, cloak, cape, armor, trousers, loincloth, thong, short skirt, skirt, long skirt, braies, leggings, glove, mitten, sock, sandal, shoe, chausses, low boot, high boot, cap, hood, mask, turban, head veil, face veil, headscarf, helm), any shield, bag, backpack, quiver, instrument
|-
| [[Leatherworker]]
|-
| [[Tanner]]
|-
| [[Gem cutter]]
| rowspan=3| Perfect gem‡, door, bed, chair, table, statue, box, armor stand, weapon rack, cabinet, coffin, floodgate, hatch cover, grate, figurine, amulet, scepter, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, chain, flask, goblet, cage, barrel, bucket, animal trap, window, instrument, toy
|-
| [[Gem setter]]
|-
| [[Glassmaker]]
|-
| Macabre Mood (vermin remains)
| Amulet, bracelet, earring
|-
| [[Mason]]
| rowspan=2| Door, bed, chair, table, statue, quern, millstone, coffer, armor stand, weapon rack, cabinet, coffin, floodgate, hatch cover, grate
|-
| [[Miner]]
|-
| [[Mechanic]]
| Mechanism
|-
| [[Metal crafter]]
| Figurine, amulet, scepter, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, chain, flask, goblet, instrument, toy
|-
| [[Metalsmith]]
| Door, bed, chair, table, statue, coffer, armor stand, weapon rack, cabinet, anvil, coffin, floodgate, hatch cover, grate, cage, barrel, bucket, animal trap, pipe section†, splint, crutch
|-
| [[Stone crafter]]
| Figurine, amulet, scepter, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, goblet, instrument, toy
|-
| [[Weaponsmith]]
| Any weapon, any trap component†
|-
| [[Wood crafter]]
| Figurine, amulet, scepter, crown, ring, earring, bracelet, goblet, instrument, toy
|}
:† ''chance of selection for this entry is reduced by 90%''
:‡ ''this item may only be selected at the beginning of the mood (50% chance)''

If your dwarf does not have a preference for any possible items, the game will randomly select one from the list. Entries with "any" are treated as collective entries with a single chance and will randomly choose a subtype which your civilization is capable of making. This explains why bowyers and clothiers will regularly produce foreign artifacts, while weaponsmiths will not unless they have exotic preferences.

== Success ==
Once created, most [[artifact]]s will be available for use just like a normal item of its type. Artifact [[armor]] and [[weapon]]s gain extra bonuses in combat, while artifact clothing is immune to [[wear]]. Artifact mechanisms installed in weapon traps will improve attack rolls. Artifact furniture is useful for raising the value of a [[noble]]'s room. Artifact mechanisms, trap components, or weapons in [[weapon trap|weapon trap]]s can also boost a room's value considerably. Other artifacts that can be used in construction (such as [[barrel]]s, [[bucket]]s, and [[anvil]]s) may be used similarly. Artifact [[door]]s and [[hatch]]es are immune to [[building destroyer]]s, and artifact [[cage]]s can even hold gnawing vermin. All artifacts can be displayed in a [[display case]] or on a [[pedestal]], or [[trade]]d to a [[caravan]] for supplies.

Successfully creating an artifact grants a very strong happy [[thought]] (enough to make the creator totally ecstatic for several months) as well as granting the creator partial ''immunity to insanity'' – even if your fortress is left in a terrible state, any dwarf who has created an artifact is exempt from going [[insane]] due to prolonged unhappiness. The dwarf may also cry, found as a coating of dwarf tears on both their eyes.

== Failure ==
If you can't provide the desired workshop and all the required component materials within a couple of months, the dwarf will go [[insanity|insane]], which cancels the mood and the artifact. As if that's not bad enough, any dwarf who goes insane will soon die, one way or another.

A dwarf who is '''stark raving mad''', '''melancholy''', or '''catatonic''' is harmless to others (until they die and start a [[tantrum]] spiral), but a '''berserk''' dwarf will attack other dwarves and possibly pull levers at random. You may want to station a squad nearby or assign a few war dogs to the dwarf on the chance that they will lash out. If you build your workshops inside enclosed rooms with doors you can also lock the moody dwarf in the room until he or she starves. In extreme cases, building a wall around an open workshop is the best precaution.

==Bugs==
There are many bugs reported related to moody dwarves. As has been the case in 40d, most turned out to be (understandable) failures of the player to grasp the mechanics of artifact creation and demands. ([http://bay12games.com/dwarves/mantisbt/view_all_bug_page.php Bug tracker])
* If a dwarf dies due to failing to complete an artifact, a memorial made to the dwarf will read that the dwarf did create it, despite the failure, and will even list the name of the artifact that never came to be. {{bug|3640}}
* When producing an item that is normally made in pairs (gloves, boots, etc.), only a single artifact will be created.
* Attacking a dwarf who fails their mood with your militia may result in a loyalty cascade. {{bug|7107}}
* Dwarves entering a strange mood when isolated (e.g. on a stepladder) cause severe lag. {{bug|8698}}
* If the mood primary component is forbidden while working, but the strange mood still has other items tasked, the result is an iron artifact. {{bug|5625}}
* If the dwarf starts constructing the artifact and is scared off by a hostile creature before completion, they may become stuck. {{bug|9833}} Removing the floors around them, then dropping an item on them should cause them to dodge, fall, and return to the workshop.{{cite forum|161598}}

== Troubleshooting ==

'''Problem''': Moody dwarf does not claim a workshop
:'''Solution''': Check for highest moodable skill and build the corresponding workshop. If no moodable skills, build a craftsdwarf's workshop. Once [[magma forge]]s have been built, some dwarves may demand to work at a magma-powered forge or furnace while others might still insist on a coal-powered one. If a forge is needed, make sure you built a forge, not smelter. Note that [[forbid]]den workshops cannot be claimed. Verify if the dwarf is assigned to a burrow and/or if there is a civilian alert set to a burrow. If so, verify that the burrow allows access to the workshop being sought after.

'''Problem''': Moody dwarf waits in claimed workshop
:'''Solution''': Desired material is unavailable. Determine which material is requested next (materials are collected in the same order as shown in the dwarf's request list) and make some available, if possible. Note that dwarves with [[preference]]s may demand a specific type of material ([[brass]] bars or [[yarn]] cloth, for example). [[Forbid]]den and inaccessible materials cannot be collected, nor can material located outside the moody dwarf's [[burrow]].

'''Problem''': No dwarf has entered a mood for a long time
:'''Solution''': Strange moods require at least 20 dwarves; if you have that many, you've probably hit one of the two caps. Exploring the caverns can increase the number of revealed tiles very quickly, while [[craft]]ing [[goblet]]s will quickly raise your item count; [[exploratory mining]] will count toward ''both'' caps, simultaneously revealing tiles and producing boulders, though more slowly than exploring or crafting. Exposing excavated terrain to the sky is counterproductive, as it will ''lower'' your artifact cap (since the cap only counts revealed ''subterranean'' tiles).

'''Problem''': Moody dwarf wants stacked cloth, but all types are available and he's not moving
:'''Solution''': Dwarves will not take items from active hospitals. If you have no cloth available outside of hospitals, try disabling or temporarily removing the hospital designation from their zones. They will then proceed to take new items, even if they don't go for the cloth right away. It is also possible that the desired cloth has been partially consumed in order to make wound dressings.

==Trivia==
{{D for Dwarf}}
It is widely said that Tarn Adams has been in the grips of a fey mood for two decades now, and we are playing his artifact. However, neither [[human]]s nor [[giant toad]]s can enter strange moods, so this must surely be a joke.

{{Category|Dwarves}}
[[Ru:Strange mood]]