Dwarf Fortress Wiki - User contributions [en]

v0.34:Gypsum plaster

2012-10-12T10:04:55Z

Saiph:

{{Quality|Fine}}
{{av}}
Gypsum plaster powder is produced at a [[kiln]] or [[magma kiln]] from [[gypsum]], [[alabaster]], [[selenite]], or [[satinspar]] (but '''not''' [[anhydrite]]) and an empty [[bag]]. The production of gypsum plaster powder requires the [[Furnace operating]] skill. It is used in the production of [[plaster cast]]s, an item used by doctors to immobilize the broken bones of injured dwarves.
If you don't get the option to produce it at the kiln even though you have all requirements, use the command "make plaster powder" in the manager menu.

Gypsum plaster is listed under "Bars/Blocks", in the category "Blocks: Stone/Clay".

Bags of plaster powder are automatically stored in [[container]]s located in [[hospital]] zones, provided there is room.

{{gamedata}}

{{Category|Healthcare}}

40d Talk:Starting location

2008-12-11T02:01:44Z

Saiph: /* Elevation changes and inaccessibility */

Trees do not only grow on the lowest Z-Level. I have trees growing on multiple Z-Levels. --[[User:Tracker|Tracker]] 02:46, 1 November 2007 (EDT)

Hmm. Maybe only up to a certain height? My first map--while initially pretty decent (sand, water, trees, rock, variety of minerals) had trees only in the most lower left hand corner (one screen's worth), which also happened to be the lowest surface level I had. But you are right, my current fort (nice entrance, there was a pocket by a river tributary that I turned into my entrance gateway, but no sand) has trees on two levels, the lowest surface, and the second lowest. Still, it's something to be aware of.
--[[User:Draco18s|Draco18s]] 03:26, 1 November 2007 (EDT)

Absolutely - that's why I changed it to say "lower" instead of lowest. --[[User:Tracker|Tracker]] 03:35, 1 November 2007 (EDT)

So I noticed. :)
--[[User:Draco18s|Draco18s]] 03:26, 1 November 2007 (EDT)

== Towns ==

Any benefit of building in towns? Other than mining under the elves and dropping them into pits? --[[User:Ikkonoishi|Ikkonoishi]] 19:35, 3 November 2007 (EDT)
:Yes there is. Humans are more than happy to share their stuff with you, and won't be at all upset if you rob them blind it seems. --[[User:Ikkonoishi|Ikkonoishi]] 22:11, 3 November 2007 (EDT)
::Think this'll ever get changed? Seems kind of unrealistic to me...--[[User:Tarsier|Tarsier]] 19:56, 5 November 2007 (EST)

== Mountain tiles guarantee certain features. ==

As per my addition, for each mountain square in the 2nd zoom view, you're guaranteed pits, a chasm, and an underground river. I have confirmed this myself using the reveal tool, and Today has confirmed at least part of it: http://www.bay12games.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=001176 - [[User:Kjoery|Kjoery]] 16:49, 6 November 2007 (EST)

:Confirmed this too.--[[User:Richards|Richards]] 03:20, 21 April 2008 (EDT)

== Towns Revert ==

Any reason why that edit was unacceptable to you Savok? I'm not going to revert, but I would like an explanation. --[[User:Ikkonoishi|Ikkonoishi]] 12:06, 12 November 2007 (EST)

== Errors in PNG? ==

Contrary to the text in the attached PNG, I've had fortresses with pockets of sand sufficient for glassworking even when sand doesn't show up in the embark screen. [[User:Kidinnu|Kidinnu]] 09:25, 28 November 2007 (EST)

Yes, all maps I've ever had have had at least a few squares of sand. Is it guaranteed? --[[User:Penguinofhonor|Penguinofhonor]] 22:18, 30 November 2007 (EST)
:I have never seen any pockets of sand. --[[User:Strangething|Strangething]] 16:27, 11 July 2008 (EDT)

Another error is that magma and volcanoes now appear on the map [[User:MikeWulf|MikeWulf]] 23:41, 6 March 2008 (EST)
:Note that underground magma is hidden. Only lava on the surface is shown on the map --[[User:Strangething|Strangething]] 16:27, 11 July 2008 (EDT)

== Layers ==

The paragraph about layers is not explicit enough for newbies. For instance, 'igneous intrusive' never shows up on the embark screen. What I would like to see is something like
* red sand - useful for glass making
* gabbro - in this layer you may find chalk, a flux
* felsite - in this layer you may find copper ore
etc. (Caveat: the data I gave as example is most likely false and/or incomplete).

This way, by comparing the embark screen to this page, the reader would immediately find out what (s)he may find in the site.
--[[User:Aykavil|Aykavil]] 09:51, 10 July 2008 (EDT)

:I added a link to [[stone layers]]. There's a lot more in-depth info there. --[[User:Strangething|Strangething]] 16:32, 11 July 2008 (EDT)

== Fun starting locations ==

A starting location that looks pretty good from the readouts can turn out to be as boring as hell once you arrive at it. Are there any tips for finding ''interesting'' locations? --[[User:Theory|Theory]] 16:46, 10 August 2008 (EDT)

: Define "interesting"? Anything with a [[chasm]] or in a [[terrifying]] biome could be 'interesting', I'm sure! Personally I often like completely flat land, so I can make the area interesting with my own constructions! That said, I'm considering next building a settlement on the side/s of a steep canyon or river valley! --[[User:Raumkraut|Raumkraut]] 17:51, 10 August 2008 (EDT)

== Magma ==

Regarding finding Magma, this page reads: "look for darker igneous rocks like basalt, obsidian, gabbro" -- is this accurate? Basalt and obsidian are igneous extrusive, while gabbro is igneous intrusive. Only the igneous extrusive page calls out that magma is commonly found there. --[[User:Sev|Sev]] 20:41, 13 September 2008 (EDT)

== Mode:Civilisation==
I just noticed, when starting a new fort and choosing which dwarf civ I was from, a symbol I hadn't seen before. Normally dwarve homelands are just blue omegas, this time I saw an omega and also 2 blue {{Tile|î|#ff0|#000}}s. Anyone else seen this/know if this has any significance? --[[User:Juckto|Juckto]] 05:25, 20 November 2008 (EST)

:I've had this happen to human civs and one dwarf civ- it means they somehow acquired forest sites during worldgen. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 08:42, 20 November 2008 (EST)

::The flipside of humans conquering forest retreats and building towns on them is that you can end up with elves living with them who wear metal armour. I had an 'elven diplomat' show up to discuss human diplomacy, and many 'human' merchants and guards were also elves. That could get scary in the event of a siege! --[[User:Navian|Navian]] 09:41, 20 November 2008 (EST)

:::Not five minutes ago I had a goblin ambush that was mostly made up of Elves. They all had goblin-esque second names, so presumably they were kidnap-ees, although it seems that you can have large families of elves/humans/whatever who are all descended from kidnapped children and now happily evil.--[[User:Quil|Quil]] 14:32, 20 November 2008 (EST)

== Elevation changes and inaccessibility ==

I have my doubts about this being true. I'm on a huge mountain map and the wagons have traveled over its peak without a care, since they can go up ramps without a problem. I believe trees and boulders are what causes problems, not elevation.--[[User:Maximus|Maximus]] 17:25, 10 December 2008 (EST)

:Hmm, ok. I've just cured some accessibility problems on a fairly mountainous map myself, and it seems the problems were right outside my fortress. There's an elevation change only 3-4 squares below (i.e. to the south of) my entrance ramp, and when I used the "upward ramp" designation on the area, my Dwarves dug away at the 3x5 area I'd marked, and -hey presto- the next caravan could suddenly get the big wagons into my trade depot (the smaller ones could get there fine anyway). I admit I was felling trees in the area as well, for timber, but I'd been doing this for the past two game years and it didn't seem to make any difference to accessibility. Ah well, maybe some more testing is required! [[User:Saiph|Saiph]] 21:01, 10 December 2008 (EST)

40d:Starting location

2008-12-10T12:17:06Z

Saiph: /* Terrain */ Attempt to add a link to Trading section to give details about caravan access.

A '''starting location''' (also called a ''starting site'') is a group of map tiles where a [[dwarf|dwarven]] settlement is located. Starting out in the right location is crucial to not [[fun|losing]]. Beginning players have several things to keep in mind when selecting a site.

== Choosing sites ==

[[Image:Embark_info.PNG|thumb|right|The Choose Fortress Location screen.]] When starting [[dwarf fortress mode]], the "Choose Fortress Location" screen allows you to choose your site. The right-hand pane shows its location within the entire generated [[world]]; the middle pane ("[[Region]]") shows the general [[biome|terrain]] types and [[civilization]]s in the area; and the left-hand pane shows the "Local" map. The {{k|u}}{{k|m}}{{k|k}}{{k|h}} and {{k|U}}{{k|M}}{{k|K}}{{k|H}} keys allow you to change the placement and size of your starting site within the region map -- any rectangular shape from 2x2 tiles up to the entire local area (16x16 tiles). The site you choose must contain at least one non-[[mountain]]/[[river]] square to be accessible to travelers as well as your settlers.

The far-right pane displays text information about the map tiles you have selected. Sites will usually span more than one [[biome]] type; to see the information on each biome, press the function keys ({{k|F1}} through {{k|F8}}, depending on how many biomes are contained in your site). Each biome will be home to different [[creatures]] as well as different types of rock and [[stone|rock layers]].

Pressing {{k|tab}} will show other location information as well:
* What civilizations can reach the site (remote sites such as [[glacier]]s and [[island]]s are often accessible only to dwarven [[immigrant]]s and [[trade]]rs; all other locations are usually accessible to dwarves, [[elves]], [[humans]], and [[goblins]]).
* What dwarven civilization you want your settlers to be from. Depending on whether you chose a civilization from the north, the middle or the south, you will get a combination of [[muskox]]es, [[mule]]s, [[horse]]s or [[camel]]s with your [[wagon]]. This also determines what kind of [[meat]] you can buy on your starting screen and may have some other effects.
* The "relative elevation" of the site (useful for seeing how mountainous the terrain is)
* A "cliff indicator" (useful for the same reason)

It is recommended to choose the smallest site possible that still contains all the map features you want ([[river]], [[magma]], [[trees]], etc.) Sites larger than about 6x6 (36 tiles) will run slowly on all but the newest/fastest computers, and even a 6x6 site will probably not run at maximum speed (100 FPS) on a fast computer once several dwarves [[immigration|immigrate]] to the site (see [[maximizing framerate]] for more details).

The utility [[Utilities#Regional Prospector|Regional Prospector]] is very useful in identifying what kind of map features exist underground ([[chasm]]s, [[pits]], [[magma]], [[lake]]s, etc.) This makes good starting sites much easier to find, although it takes away the "surprise" of stumbling upon these features on your own (which may be good or bad, depending on your play style).

Once you have chosen the tiles you want for your site, press {{k|e}} to have your settlers embark on their journey. You will then be prompted to choose what [[starting builds|starting equipment and skills]] you want them to have (you can also choose to have them start with the default equipment and skills).

The [[pregenerated worlds]] page contains several pre-scouted sites (some downloadable), with descriptions of what kinds of resources are available in each.

== Surroundings ==

It's probably a good idea to avoid [[Haunted]], [[Sinister]], and [[Terrifying]] biomes, as well as extremes of cold and heat. Fortunately that still leaves you with a lot of options most of the time. Make sure you've got at least some [[trees]] and vegetation.

Make sure you at least have [[contact]] with [[Dwarves]]; [[Humans]] are also good [[trading]] partners. If you get those two, you'll probably be around [[Elves]] and [[Goblins]] too. Elves will trade some things, but are picky about what they'll accept; Goblins will just lay siege to your fortress every so often once they get angry enough about your presence.

== Terrain ==

[[Mountain]] squares will contain certain features, and each world map [[mountain]] tile is guaranteed an [[underground river]], a [[chasm]], and [[pits]] somewhere in the mountain tiles of the local view. Also, mountainous areas are worth looking into for the [[stone]] and greater probability of finding [[magma]].

[[Water]] is also a valuable commodity, for the purposes of [[farming]] and [[drinking]]. [[Ocean]] water is not drinkable. (See [[#Water |Water]] below.)

[[Forest]], [[jungle]] and [[swamp]] tiles with heavy vegetation are also beneficial for their ample supplies of [[wood]]. (See [[#Lumber |Lumber]] below.)

Some [[biomes]] will also contain unique types of fauna and flora. (See [[#Vegetation|Vegetation]] below.)

The surrounding elevation is a matter of preference. Elevation is represented in numbers from 1 to 9 and the * character for changes in elevation greater than 9. If you want an extreme landscape, with sheer cliffs and drop-offs, then pick a location with a large amount of elevation change (elevation changes of 4 or greater.) If you'd like a flatter landscape, try to settle in an area with low elevation (1's and 2's.) Remember: the more Z-levels you have on your map, the more data your computer will have to process. More Z-Levels will result in decreased performance.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the terrain for your fortress is trading with friendly races via caravans. If you choose terrain with too many elevation changes, wagons may have difficulty reaching your trade depot, and you may receive a message such as "The wagons have bypassed your inaccessible location". If this happens, you may need to put considerable time and effort into clearing terrain, building roads, and possibly even building bridges across ravines to allow friendly caravans to reach you. See [[Trading]] for more details, especially the sub-section dealing with caravans.

== Layers ==

Pay attention to the [[layer]] types listed on the right when choosing a location. The ones listed in white are [[:Category:Sedimentary Stone Layers|sedimentary]] layers, which have the most [[iron]] [[ore]]s and are the only ones containing [[bituminous coal]]. If you plan to have [[steel]] production, you will also need a supply of [[flux]] stones. Since flux stones are almost always confined to their own layers, keep an eye out for them.

Any layer listed in brown is topsoil. It can be used for farming even without water, but it contains no [[stone]] or [[ore]].

Dark gray layers are [[:Category:Igneous Extrusive Stone Layers|igneous extrusive]]. If you want valuable [[metal]]s like [[gold]] and [[aluminum]], these are your best bet.

== Water ==

[[Farming]] won't get you much in the middle of a [[desert]], though you can farm directly on [[sand]]. Try to find an area with a [[brook]] -- larger water sources can hinder [[mining]]. If the game warns you that you've selected an area with an [[aquifer]], pay attention: it's likely going to be very difficult to get through it to the stone below.

Currently a permanent source of water isn't required because farms don't dry out, this is expected to change. If your map starts with even the smallest pond you can dig under it, drain it into the room (and down again if there's that much water), and build a farm on the residual mud – water levels of 1/7 can be ignored when placing the farm plot.

== Lumber ==

The amount of [[tree]]s in the selected [[biome]] will be listed on the right hand side of your location selection screen. [[Treeless]] maps should be avoided by new players.

Trees grow on the lower surface z-levels, so make sure you have a nice large swath to chop down. Just because the biome says "heavily forested" doesn't mean you will actually have trees.

== Vegetation ==

The local flora can be a good source of [[seed]]s, [[alcohol]], and [[food]] for a just started fortress. Use the [[Gather plants]] [[designation]] to collect them for use.

=== Magma ===

Unlike in previous versions, you aren't guaranteed to find a source of [[magma]], unless you have a [[volcano]] or magma vent at your starting location. Sure, you could burn [[charcoal]] to fuel your smithies, but the convenience of magma makes it invaluable. The site selection screen can give you a good idea of whether or not you'll be able to get any: look for darker igneous rocks like [[basalt]], [[obsidian]], [[gabbro]], and so on.

=== Towns ===

Towns created by other civilizations exist only for your benefit. Humans won't mind at all if you tear apart their main pub to build your tunnel entrance. {{version|0.27.176.38c}} Also, their buildings provide plentiful [[wood]] (a small house contains 34 wood logs. Other buildings have much more.) and other useful items such as prebuilt [[furniture]] and ready to sell trade goods.

{{World}}

{{Starting FAQ}}

[[Category:Guides]]

40d:Starting location

2008-12-10T12:14:05Z

Saiph: /* Terrain */

A '''starting location''' (also called a ''starting site'') is a group of map tiles where a [[dwarf|dwarven]] settlement is located. Starting out in the right location is crucial to not [[fun|losing]]. Beginning players have several things to keep in mind when selecting a site.

== Choosing sites ==

[[Image:Embark_info.PNG|thumb|right|The Choose Fortress Location screen.]] When starting [[dwarf fortress mode]], the "Choose Fortress Location" screen allows you to choose your site. The right-hand pane shows its location within the entire generated [[world]]; the middle pane ("[[Region]]") shows the general [[biome|terrain]] types and [[civilization]]s in the area; and the left-hand pane shows the "Local" map. The {{k|u}}{{k|m}}{{k|k}}{{k|h}} and {{k|U}}{{k|M}}{{k|K}}{{k|H}} keys allow you to change the placement and size of your starting site within the region map -- any rectangular shape from 2x2 tiles up to the entire local area (16x16 tiles). The site you choose must contain at least one non-[[mountain]]/[[river]] square to be accessible to travelers as well as your settlers.

The far-right pane displays text information about the map tiles you have selected. Sites will usually span more than one [[biome]] type; to see the information on each biome, press the function keys ({{k|F1}} through {{k|F8}}, depending on how many biomes are contained in your site). Each biome will be home to different [[creatures]] as well as different types of rock and [[stone|rock layers]].

Pressing {{k|tab}} will show other location information as well:
* What civilizations can reach the site (remote sites such as [[glacier]]s and [[island]]s are often accessible only to dwarven [[immigrant]]s and [[trade]]rs; all other locations are usually accessible to dwarves, [[elves]], [[humans]], and [[goblins]]).
* What dwarven civilization you want your settlers to be from. Depending on whether you chose a civilization from the north, the middle or the south, you will get a combination of [[muskox]]es, [[mule]]s, [[horse]]s or [[camel]]s with your [[wagon]]. This also determines what kind of [[meat]] you can buy on your starting screen and may have some other effects.
* The "relative elevation" of the site (useful for seeing how mountainous the terrain is)
* A "cliff indicator" (useful for the same reason)

It is recommended to choose the smallest site possible that still contains all the map features you want ([[river]], [[magma]], [[trees]], etc.) Sites larger than about 6x6 (36 tiles) will run slowly on all but the newest/fastest computers, and even a 6x6 site will probably not run at maximum speed (100 FPS) on a fast computer once several dwarves [[immigration|immigrate]] to the site (see [[maximizing framerate]] for more details).

The utility [[Utilities#Regional Prospector|Regional Prospector]] is very useful in identifying what kind of map features exist underground ([[chasm]]s, [[pits]], [[magma]], [[lake]]s, etc.) This makes good starting sites much easier to find, although it takes away the "surprise" of stumbling upon these features on your own (which may be good or bad, depending on your play style).

Once you have chosen the tiles you want for your site, press {{k|e}} to have your settlers embark on their journey. You will then be prompted to choose what [[starting builds|starting equipment and skills]] you want them to have (you can also choose to have them start with the default equipment and skills).

The [[pregenerated worlds]] page contains several pre-scouted sites (some downloadable), with descriptions of what kinds of resources are available in each.

== Surroundings ==

It's probably a good idea to avoid [[Haunted]], [[Sinister]], and [[Terrifying]] biomes, as well as extremes of cold and heat. Fortunately that still leaves you with a lot of options most of the time. Make sure you've got at least some [[trees]] and vegetation.

Make sure you at least have [[contact]] with [[Dwarves]]; [[Humans]] are also good [[trading]] partners. If you get those two, you'll probably be around [[Elves]] and [[Goblins]] too. Elves will trade some things, but are picky about what they'll accept; Goblins will just lay siege to your fortress every so often once they get angry enough about your presence.

== Terrain ==

[[Mountain]] squares will contain certain features, and each world map [[mountain]] tile is guaranteed an [[underground river]], a [[chasm]], and [[pits]] somewhere in the mountain tiles of the local view. Also, mountainous areas are worth looking into for the [[stone]] and greater probability of finding [[magma]].

[[Water]] is also a valuable commodity, for the purposes of [[farming]] and [[drinking]]. [[Ocean]] water is not drinkable. (See [[#Water |Water]] below.)

[[Forest]], [[jungle]] and [[swamp]] tiles with heavy vegetation are also beneficial for their ample supplies of [[wood]]. (See [[#Lumber |Lumber]] below.)

Some [[biomes]] will also contain unique types of fauna and flora. (See [[#Vegetation|Vegetation]] below.)

The surrounding elevation is a matter of preference. Elevation is represented in numbers from 1 to 9 and the * character for changes in elevation greater than 9. If you want an extreme landscape, with sheer cliffs and drop-offs, then pick a location with a large amount of elevation change (elevation changes of 4 or greater.) If you'd like a flatter landscape, try to settle in an area with low elevation (1's and 2's.) Remember: the more Z-levels you have on your map, the more data your computer will have to process. More Z-Levels will result in decreased performance.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the terrain for your fortress is trading with friendly races via caravans. If you choose terrain with too many elevation changes, wagons may have difficulty reaching your trade depot, and you may receive a message such as "The wagons have bypassed your inaccessible location". If this happens, you may need to put considerable time and effort into clearing terrain, building roads, and possibly even building bridges across ravines to allow friendly caravans to reach you. See [[Trading]] and [[Caravans]] for more details.

== Layers ==

Pay attention to the [[layer]] types listed on the right when choosing a location. The ones listed in white are [[:Category:Sedimentary Stone Layers|sedimentary]] layers, which have the most [[iron]] [[ore]]s and are the only ones containing [[bituminous coal]]. If you plan to have [[steel]] production, you will also need a supply of [[flux]] stones. Since flux stones are almost always confined to their own layers, keep an eye out for them.

Any layer listed in brown is topsoil. It can be used for farming even without water, but it contains no [[stone]] or [[ore]].

Dark gray layers are [[:Category:Igneous Extrusive Stone Layers|igneous extrusive]]. If you want valuable [[metal]]s like [[gold]] and [[aluminum]], these are your best bet.

== Water ==

[[Farming]] won't get you much in the middle of a [[desert]], though you can farm directly on [[sand]]. Try to find an area with a [[brook]] -- larger water sources can hinder [[mining]]. If the game warns you that you've selected an area with an [[aquifer]], pay attention: it's likely going to be very difficult to get through it to the stone below.

Currently a permanent source of water isn't required because farms don't dry out, this is expected to change. If your map starts with even the smallest pond you can dig under it, drain it into the room (and down again if there's that much water), and build a farm on the residual mud – water levels of 1/7 can be ignored when placing the farm plot.

== Lumber ==

The amount of [[tree]]s in the selected [[biome]] will be listed on the right hand side of your location selection screen. [[Treeless]] maps should be avoided by new players.

Trees grow on the lower surface z-levels, so make sure you have a nice large swath to chop down. Just because the biome says "heavily forested" doesn't mean you will actually have trees.

== Vegetation ==

The local flora can be a good source of [[seed]]s, [[alcohol]], and [[food]] for a just started fortress. Use the [[Gather plants]] [[designation]] to collect them for use.

=== Magma ===

Unlike in previous versions, you aren't guaranteed to find a source of [[magma]], unless you have a [[volcano]] or magma vent at your starting location. Sure, you could burn [[charcoal]] to fuel your smithies, but the convenience of magma makes it invaluable. The site selection screen can give you a good idea of whether or not you'll be able to get any: look for darker igneous rocks like [[basalt]], [[obsidian]], [[gabbro]], and so on.

=== Towns ===

Towns created by other civilizations exist only for your benefit. Humans won't mind at all if you tear apart their main pub to build your tunnel entrance. {{version|0.27.176.38c}} Also, their buildings provide plentiful [[wood]] (a small house contains 34 wood logs. Other buildings have much more.) and other useful items such as prebuilt [[furniture]] and ready to sell trade goods.

{{World}}

{{Starting FAQ}}

[[Category:Guides]]

40d:Starting location

2008-12-10T12:09:42Z

Saiph: /* Terrain */ Added notes about caravan accessibility when choosing terrain. Also one minor grammar change - "more flat" -> "flatter" ~~~~

A '''starting location''' (also called a ''starting site'') is a group of map tiles where a [[dwarf|dwarven]] settlement is located. Starting out in the right location is crucial to not [[fun|losing]]. Beginning players have several things to keep in mind when selecting a site.

== Choosing sites ==

[[Image:Embark_info.PNG|thumb|right|The Choose Fortress Location screen.]] When starting [[dwarf fortress mode]], the "Choose Fortress Location" screen allows you to choose your site. The right-hand pane shows its location within the entire generated [[world]]; the middle pane ("[[Region]]") shows the general [[biome|terrain]] types and [[civilization]]s in the area; and the left-hand pane shows the "Local" map. The {{k|u}}{{k|m}}{{k|k}}{{k|h}} and {{k|U}}{{k|M}}{{k|K}}{{k|H}} keys allow you to change the placement and size of your starting site within the region map -- any rectangular shape from 2x2 tiles up to the entire local area (16x16 tiles). The site you choose must contain at least one non-[[mountain]]/[[river]] square to be accessible to travelers as well as your settlers.

The far-right pane displays text information about the map tiles you have selected. Sites will usually span more than one [[biome]] type; to see the information on each biome, press the function keys ({{k|F1}} through {{k|F8}}, depending on how many biomes are contained in your site). Each biome will be home to different [[creatures]] as well as different types of rock and [[stone|rock layers]].

Pressing {{k|tab}} will show other location information as well:
* What civilizations can reach the site (remote sites such as [[glacier]]s and [[island]]s are often accessible only to dwarven [[immigrant]]s and [[trade]]rs; all other locations are usually accessible to dwarves, [[elves]], [[humans]], and [[goblins]]).
* What dwarven civilization you want your settlers to be from. Depending on whether you chose a civilization from the north, the middle or the south, you will get a combination of [[muskox]]es, [[mule]]s, [[horse]]s or [[camel]]s with your [[wagon]]. This also determines what kind of [[meat]] you can buy on your starting screen and may have some other effects.
* The "relative elevation" of the site (useful for seeing how mountainous the terrain is)
* A "cliff indicator" (useful for the same reason)

It is recommended to choose the smallest site possible that still contains all the map features you want ([[river]], [[magma]], [[trees]], etc.) Sites larger than about 6x6 (36 tiles) will run slowly on all but the newest/fastest computers, and even a 6x6 site will probably not run at maximum speed (100 FPS) on a fast computer once several dwarves [[immigration|immigrate]] to the site (see [[maximizing framerate]] for more details).

The utility [[Utilities#Regional Prospector|Regional Prospector]] is very useful in identifying what kind of map features exist underground ([[chasm]]s, [[pits]], [[magma]], [[lake]]s, etc.) This makes good starting sites much easier to find, although it takes away the "surprise" of stumbling upon these features on your own (which may be good or bad, depending on your play style).

Once you have chosen the tiles you want for your site, press {{k|e}} to have your settlers embark on their journey. You will then be prompted to choose what [[starting builds|starting equipment and skills]] you want them to have (you can also choose to have them start with the default equipment and skills).

The [[pregenerated worlds]] page contains several pre-scouted sites (some downloadable), with descriptions of what kinds of resources are available in each.

== Surroundings ==

It's probably a good idea to avoid [[Haunted]], [[Sinister]], and [[Terrifying]] biomes, as well as extremes of cold and heat. Fortunately that still leaves you with a lot of options most of the time. Make sure you've got at least some [[trees]] and vegetation.

Make sure you at least have [[contact]] with [[Dwarves]]; [[Humans]] are also good [[trading]] partners. If you get those two, you'll probably be around [[Elves]] and [[Goblins]] too. Elves will trade some things, but are picky about what they'll accept; Goblins will just lay siege to your fortress every so often once they get angry enough about your presence.

== Terrain ==

[[Mountain]] squares will contain certain features, and each world map [[mountain]] tile is guaranteed an [[underground river]], a [[chasm]], and [[pits]] somewhere in the mountain tiles of the local view. Also, mountainous areas are worth looking into for the [[stone]] and greater probability of finding [[magma]].

[[Water]] is also a valuable commodity, for the purposes of [[farming]] and [[drinking]]. [[Ocean]] water is not drinkable. (See [[#Water |Water]] below.)

[[Forest]], [[jungle]] and [[swamp]] tiles with heavy vegetation are also beneficial for their ample supplies of [[wood]]. (See [[#Lumber |Lumber]] below.)

Some [[biomes]] will also contain unique types of fauna and flora. (See [[#Vegetation|Vegetation]] below.)

The surrounding elevation is a matter of preference. Elevation is represented in numbers from 1 to 9 and the * character for changes in elevation greater than 9. If you want an extreme landscape, with sheer cliffs and drop-offs, then pick a location with a large amount of elevation change (elevation changes of 4 or greater.) If you'd like a flatter landscape, try to settle in an area with low elevation (1's and 2's.) Remember: the more Z-levels you have on your map, the more data your computer will have to process. More Z-Levels will result in decreased performance.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the terrain for your fortress is trading with friendly races via caravans. If you choose terrain with too many elevation changes, wagons may have difficulty reaching your trade depot, and you may receive a message such as "The wagons have bypassed your inaccessible location". If this happens, you may need to put considerable time and effort into clearing terrain, building roads, and possibly even building bridges across ravines to allow friendly caravans to reach you.

== Layers ==

Pay attention to the [[layer]] types listed on the right when choosing a location. The ones listed in white are [[:Category:Sedimentary Stone Layers|sedimentary]] layers, which have the most [[iron]] [[ore]]s and are the only ones containing [[bituminous coal]]. If you plan to have [[steel]] production, you will also need a supply of [[flux]] stones. Since flux stones are almost always confined to their own layers, keep an eye out for them.

Any layer listed in brown is topsoil. It can be used for farming even without water, but it contains no [[stone]] or [[ore]].

Dark gray layers are [[:Category:Igneous Extrusive Stone Layers|igneous extrusive]]. If you want valuable [[metal]]s like [[gold]] and [[aluminum]], these are your best bet.

== Water ==

[[Farming]] won't get you much in the middle of a [[desert]], though you can farm directly on [[sand]]. Try to find an area with a [[brook]] -- larger water sources can hinder [[mining]]. If the game warns you that you've selected an area with an [[aquifer]], pay attention: it's likely going to be very difficult to get through it to the stone below.

Currently a permanent source of water isn't required because farms don't dry out, this is expected to change. If your map starts with even the smallest pond you can dig under it, drain it into the room (and down again if there's that much water), and build a farm on the residual mud – water levels of 1/7 can be ignored when placing the farm plot.

== Lumber ==

The amount of [[tree]]s in the selected [[biome]] will be listed on the right hand side of your location selection screen. [[Treeless]] maps should be avoided by new players.

Trees grow on the lower surface z-levels, so make sure you have a nice large swath to chop down. Just because the biome says "heavily forested" doesn't mean you will actually have trees.

== Vegetation ==

The local flora can be a good source of [[seed]]s, [[alcohol]], and [[food]] for a just started fortress. Use the [[Gather plants]] [[designation]] to collect them for use.

=== Magma ===

Unlike in previous versions, you aren't guaranteed to find a source of [[magma]], unless you have a [[volcano]] or magma vent at your starting location. Sure, you could burn [[charcoal]] to fuel your smithies, but the convenience of magma makes it invaluable. The site selection screen can give you a good idea of whether or not you'll be able to get any: look for darker igneous rocks like [[basalt]], [[obsidian]], [[gabbro]], and so on.

=== Towns ===

Towns created by other civilizations exist only for your benefit. Humans won't mind at all if you tear apart their main pub to build your tunnel entrance. {{version|0.27.176.38c}} Also, their buildings provide plentiful [[wood]] (a small house contains 34 wood logs. Other buildings have much more.) and other useful items such as prebuilt [[furniture]] and ready to sell trade goods.

{{World}}

{{Starting FAQ}}

[[Category:Guides]]

40d:Jeweler's workshop

2008-12-05T21:50:07Z

Saiph: spelling/typos

{{Workshop|name=Jeweler's workshop|key=j|job=Gem cutting, Gem setting
|construction=
1 of
* [[Block]]
* [[Stone]]
* [[Wood]]
|construction_job=
1 of
* [[Gem cutting]]
* [[Gem setting]]
|use=
* Rough [[gem]]s
* Cut [[gem]]s
|production=
* Encrusted objects
}}

A '''Jeweler's workshop''' is a [[workshop]] for a [[jeweler]]. A jeweler uses this workshop to
*cut rough [[gem]]s into something usable
*encrust [[Gem setter|certain]] objects with gems

See [[Gem industry]] for the full flowchart. Most other crafters have the option to encrust gems into their respective craft too. When ordering gem setters to encrust goods with gems, you can choose between furniture, finished goods and ammo unlike other decorating jobs which will simply choose the nearest applicable object to decorate.

{{Workshops}}

40d:Meat industry

2008-11-28T15:15:59Z

Saiph: /* Breeding */ spelling corrections

This article is a quick guide to running a '''meat and related goods industry'''. If you decide to base your economy off such then keep in mind that animals are not a reliable material source - the amount available depends on the breeding rate of your tame animals, the spawning of wild animals, and/or the amount of leather that traders bring.

Note that the meat industry involves many materials which can [[rot]] and so requires slightly more micromanagement than other [[industry|industries]].

'''Summary''': Obtain some animals; kill and butcher them to obtain bones, meat, fat and raw hides; the bones and meat can be used immediately but the hide needs to be tanned into leather and the fat needs to be processed into tallow; finally cook the tallow into a meal, and craft the leather into an end product.

== Animals ==
There are several sources for obtaining [[animal]]s, outlined below. Alternatively you can skip that business and just [[trade]] directly for [[leather]]. You'll miss out on [[meat]], [[fat]], and [[bone]]s though.

=== Trading ===
''Requires: A [[trading depot]], a [[Outpost broker|trader]], a [[merchant]], and some [[Finished goods|tradeable goods]]''

You can purchase both animals and leather from a merchant. Animals can either be kept for breeding (see [[#Breeding|''Breeding'' below]]) or butchered immediately (see [[#Butchering|''Butchering'' below]]).

If you wish to import leather in sufficient quantity to keep your [[leather worker]]s occupied year-round, then you should request leather to be imported from the the trading [[liaison]]s. It is reccomended that you request every type of leather at low priority in order to ensure the merchant comes back with a large quantity next year. You can only buy leather from [[human]]s and [[dwarf]] caravans{{verify}}.

=== Hunting ===
''Requires: A [[hunter]] and huntable [[Creatures|wildlife]]'' 
''Recommended: A [[dog]] (or three), leather [[armor]], and a [[weapon]] - preferably a [[crossbow]], [[quiver]], and [[bolts]]''

It should be noted that hunters will ignore some wildlife, e.g. [[zombie]] [[groundhog]]s. Depending on where you settled your [[fortress]], your [[biome]] may have no wildlife at all.

After equipping him or herself, a dwarven hunter will make a beeline towards the nearest wild animal and attempt to kill it, regardless of whether it is one amongst a large pack of hostile creatures{{verify}}. Upon killing the beast the dwarf will carry the [[corpse]] to the closest [[refuse]] [[stockpile]]; the nearest meeting area if no stockpile exists; or to the site of your original [[wagon]] if no meeting area has been defined {{verify}}. Once he has deposited the corpse it will be ready for butchering (see [[#Butchering|''Butchering'' below]]).

If the hunter kills other animals on his return journey while defending himself then those animals will not be carried indoors. To avoid wasting them you need to change your general {{k|o}}rders to <tt>Gather refuse from outside</tt> (note that selecting this option may have undesirable side-effects).

=== Cage traps ===
''Requires: [[Cage]]s, [[mechanism]]s, and a [[mechanic]]''

It is also possible to catch animals through judicious use of [[cage trap]]s. This, of course, involves building cage traps where animals will walk. Once they are trapped the caged animal (or [[invader]]) will be delivered to an animal stockpile and the trap will be reset with a fresh cage.

=== Breeding ===
''Requires: One or more adult females and one adult male of each species, not in cages, and time'' 
''Recommended: [[Cages]] and [[restraint]]s''

If a male and a female of the same species are not currently in [[cage]]s then sooner or later the male will impregnate the female, regardless of distance or physical obstacles. It is theorised that creatures in the dwarf fortress universe propagate via some kind of spores with built in homing devices and, in some case, microscopic [[pickaxe]]s. Either that, or telepathy. But everyone knows there's no such thing as telepathy!

Caged animals will not breed, although animals on a [[restraint]] will. It is recommended that you rope down all your livestock near your [[butcher's shop]], as a large number of free-roaming animals will reduce your game speed. Additionally it reduces the amount of time it takes butchers to track down and retrieve animals they are to slaughter.

Since only adults can breed it is recommended that you cage all your young, for the same reasons as above. Furthermore:
* Cages can hold an unlimited number of animals, so you only need one.
* Caged animals do not affect processor speed.
* Distinguishing between breeding animals and butcherable livestock is easier when clearly separated.
* Caged cats cannot adopt owners (thus decreasing the chances of a [[catsplosion]]).
* You can define a [[zoo]] from a cage, increasing overall fortress wealth, dwarven happiness, etc..

Animals provide the same amount of meat, bones and hide when they are children, so you do not need to wait until they grow up. However, the more females of each animal type the more often they will give birth.

== Butchering ==
''Requires: A [[butcher's shop]], a [[butcher]], and either a stray tamed [[animal]] marked for slaughter or one killed by a hunter''

Once an animal has been killed by a hunter you only have a limited amount of time to butcher the corpse before it rots. If your butcher is distracted by other tasks this is quite possible.

By default a [[butcher's shop]] will automatically queue <tt>Butcher animal</tt> whenever an animal corpse is available, or <tt>Slaughter animal</tt> for stray animals marked for slaughter. Once butchered the animal will yield one skull (even [[hydra]]s), one raw hide and a number of meat pieces, bones, and chunks - the amount depending on the animal type. The skill of the butcher only affects the time taken for <tt>Butcher animal</tt> task (<tt>Slaughter animal</tt> occurs in the blink of an eye), not the amount produced nor the quality.

Meat and fat goes to your food stockpile. Bones, chunks and raw hides go to the refuse stockpile. Chunks have no use and should be left to rot to nothingness, but you would be well put to create custom stockpiles for hides next to your tanner's shop (see [[#Tanning|''Tanning'' below]]), for bones next to your craftdwarves workshop (see [[#Bone carving|''Bone carving'' below]]), and changing the settings on your main refuse pile to not accept bones and hides.

If the animal is butchered just before it rots, the products of the animal MAY not rot. It is unknown whether the time of rotting for butchering products is based on the time of death of the animal or the time of production of the butchering returns.{{verify}}

== Using the animal products==
===Bone carving===
''Requires: [[Bone carver]], [[craftdwarf's workshop]], and some [[bone]]s and [[skull]]s''

Butchering an animal produces quite a few bones and a skull. By setting up a craftdwarf workshop near your abbatoir you can turn these into useful products, such as bone bolts for your [[archer]]s to practice with.

The only useful thing to do with a skull is turn it into a [[totem]] for [[trading]]. Note that totems do not fall under any category in the "Move trade goods to depot" screen, and so you need to {{k|s}}earch for them.

===Meat and fat===
''Requires: a [[cook]], a [[kitchen]], and some [[meat]] or [[fat]]''

[[Fat]] can be rendered into [[tallow]] at a [[kitchen]], and then used as an ingredient in meals. Meat can be eaten raw, or used as an ingredient.

=== Tanning ===
''Requires: a [[tanner]], a [[tanner's shop]], , and [[raw hide]]''

As with the butcher's shop, the tanner's shop will queue <tt>Tan raw hide</tt> automatically (by default), the tanner's skill has no affect on quantity nor quality of the leather produced, and the task is time-sensitive because of rot.

It is quite sensible to have a single dwarf as the butcher tanner task as you will never need to begin tanning until you finish butchering. You could also make this same dwarf your leatherworker.

Once a hide has been tanned it goes into the leather stockpile.

=== Leatherworking ===
''Requires: A [[leather works]], a [[leatherworker]], and a [[tanned hide]]''

Once you have tanned hides, whether created yourself or bought from a merchant, you can use them to produce leather goods at the [[leather works]].

== Summary ==
''Worker type / Labor''

*[[Ambusher]] / [[Hunting]]
** A [[crossbow]] or other [[weapon]]
** [[Bolts]], [[quiver]]
** Leather [[armor]]
** [[Cross-training|Stats buffing]]
** [[Archery target|Archery practice]]

*[[Cage trap]]ping
** [[Mechanic]]
** [[Mechanic's workshop]]
** [[Mechanisms]]
** [[Cage]]s

*Breeding
** [[Animals]]
** [[Cages]]
** [[Restraint]]s

*Processing
** [[Butcher]] / Butchery
*** [[Butcher's shop]]
** [[Tanner]] / Tanning
*** [[Tanner's shop]]
** [[Leatherworker]] / Leatherworking
*** [[Leather works]]
** [[Bone carver]] / Bone carving
*** [[Craftdwarf's workshop]]
** [[Cook]] / Cooking
*** [[Kitchen]]
*** [[Barrel]]s

==See also==
*[[Leather]]
*[[Industry]]

{{Workshops FAQ}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Materials]]
[[Category:Industry]]

40d:Meat industry

2008-11-28T15:13:05Z

Saiph: /* Hunting */ correct spellings

This article is a quick guide to running a '''meat and related goods industry'''. If you decide to base your economy off such then keep in mind that animals are not a reliable material source - the amount available depends on the breeding rate of your tame animals, the spawning of wild animals, and/or the amount of leather that traders bring.

Note that the meat industry involves many materials which can [[rot]] and so requires slightly more micromanagement than other [[industry|industries]].

'''Summary''': Obtain some animals; kill and butcher them to obtain bones, meat, fat and raw hides; the bones and meat can be used immediately but the hide needs to be tanned into leather and the fat needs to be processed into tallow; finally cook the tallow into a meal, and craft the leather into an end product.

== Animals ==
There are several sources for obtaining [[animal]]s, outlined below. Alternatively you can skip that business and just [[trade]] directly for [[leather]]. You'll miss out on [[meat]], [[fat]], and [[bone]]s though.

=== Trading ===
''Requires: A [[trading depot]], a [[Outpost broker|trader]], a [[merchant]], and some [[Finished goods|tradeable goods]]''

You can purchase both animals and leather from a merchant. Animals can either be kept for breeding (see [[#Breeding|''Breeding'' below]]) or butchered immediately (see [[#Butchering|''Butchering'' below]]).

If you wish to import leather in sufficient quantity to keep your [[leather worker]]s occupied year-round, then you should request leather to be imported from the the trading [[liaison]]s. It is reccomended that you request every type of leather at low priority in order to ensure the merchant comes back with a large quantity next year. You can only buy leather from [[human]]s and [[dwarf]] caravans{{verify}}.

=== Hunting ===
''Requires: A [[hunter]] and huntable [[Creatures|wildlife]]'' 
''Recommended: A [[dog]] (or three), leather [[armor]], and a [[weapon]] - preferably a [[crossbow]], [[quiver]], and [[bolts]]''

It should be noted that hunters will ignore some wildlife, e.g. [[zombie]] [[groundhog]]s. Depending on where you settled your [[fortress]], your [[biome]] may have no wildlife at all.

After equipping him or herself, a dwarven hunter will make a beeline towards the nearest wild animal and attempt to kill it, regardless of whether it is one amongst a large pack of hostile creatures{{verify}}. Upon killing the beast the dwarf will carry the [[corpse]] to the closest [[refuse]] [[stockpile]]; the nearest meeting area if no stockpile exists; or to the site of your original [[wagon]] if no meeting area has been defined {{verify}}. Once he has deposited the corpse it will be ready for butchering (see [[#Butchering|''Butchering'' below]]).

If the hunter kills other animals on his return journey while defending himself then those animals will not be carried indoors. To avoid wasting them you need to change your general {{k|o}}rders to <tt>Gather refuse from outside</tt> (note that selecting this option may have undesirable side-effects).

=== Cage traps ===
''Requires: [[Cage]]s, [[mechanism]]s, and a [[mechanic]]''

It is also possible to catch animals through judicious use of [[cage trap]]s. This, of course, involves building cage traps where animals will walk. Once they are trapped the caged animal (or [[invader]]) will be delivered to an animal stockpile and the trap will be reset with a fresh cage.

=== Breeding ===
''Requires: One or more adult females and one adult male of each species, not in cages, and time'' 
''Recommended: [[Cages]] and [[restraint]]s''

If a male and a female of the same species are not currently in [[cage]]s then sooner or later the male will impregnate the female, regardless of distance or physical obstacles. It is theorised that creatures in the dwarf fortress universe propogate via some kind of spores with built in homing devices and, in some case, microscopic [[pickaxe]]s. Either that, or telepathy. But everyone knows there's no such thing as telepathy!

Caged animals will not breed, although animals on a [[restraint]] will. It is recommended that you rope down all your livestock near your [[butcher's shop]], as a large number of free-roaming animals will reduce your game speed. Additionally it reduces the amount of time it takes butchers to track down and retrieve animals they are to slaughtering.

Since only adults can breed it is reccomended that you cage all your young, for the same reasons as above. Furthurmore:
* Cages can hold an unlimited number of animals, so you only need one.
* Caged animals do not affect processor speed.
* Distinguishing between breeding animals and butcherable livestock is easier when clearly separated.
* Caged cats cannot adopt owners (thus decreasing the chances of a [[catsplosion]]).
* You can define a [[zoo]] from a cage, increasing overall fortress wealth, dwarven happiness, etc..

Animals provide the same amount of meat, bones and hide when they are children, so you do not need to wait until they grow up. However, the more females of each animal type the more often they will give birth.

== Butchering ==
''Requires: A [[butcher's shop]], a [[butcher]], and either a stray tamed [[animal]] marked for slaughter or one killed by a hunter''

Once an animal has been killed by a hunter you only have a limited amount of time to butcher the corpse before it rots. If your butcher is distracted by other tasks this is quite possible.

By default a [[butcher's shop]] will automatically queue <tt>Butcher animal</tt> whenever an animal corpse is available, or <tt>Slaughter animal</tt> for stray animals marked for slaughter. Once butchered the animal will yield one skull (even [[hydra]]s), one raw hide and a number of meat pieces, bones, and chunks - the amount depending on the animal type. The skill of the butcher only affects the time taken for <tt>Butcher animal</tt> task (<tt>Slaughter animal</tt> occurs in the blink of an eye), not the amount produced nor the quality.

Meat and fat goes to your food stockpile. Bones, chunks and raw hides go to the refuse stockpile. Chunks have no use and should be left to rot to nothingness, but you would be well put to create custom stockpiles for hides next to your tanner's shop (see [[#Tanning|''Tanning'' below]]), for bones next to your craftdwarves workshop (see [[#Bone carving|''Bone carving'' below]]), and changing the settings on your main refuse pile to not accept bones and hides.

If the animal is butchered just before it rots, the products of the animal MAY not rot. It is unknown whether the time of rotting for butchering products is based on the time of death of the animal or the time of production of the butchering returns.{{verify}}

== Using the animal products==
===Bone carving===
''Requires: [[Bone carver]], [[craftdwarf's workshop]], and some [[bone]]s and [[skull]]s''

Butchering an animal produces quite a few bones and a skull. By setting up a craftdwarf workshop near your abbatoir you can turn these into useful products, such as bone bolts for your [[archer]]s to practice with.

The only useful thing to do with a skull is turn it into a [[totem]] for [[trading]]. Note that totems do not fall under any category in the "Move trade goods to depot" screen, and so you need to {{k|s}}earch for them.

===Meat and fat===
''Requires: a [[cook]], a [[kitchen]], and some [[meat]] or [[fat]]''

[[Fat]] can be rendered into [[tallow]] at a [[kitchen]], and then used as an ingredient in meals. Meat can be eaten raw, or used as an ingredient.

=== Tanning ===
''Requires: a [[tanner]], a [[tanner's shop]], , and [[raw hide]]''

As with the butcher's shop, the tanner's shop will queue <tt>Tan raw hide</tt> automatically (by default), the tanner's skill has no affect on quantity nor quality of the leather produced, and the task is time-sensitive because of rot.

It is quite sensible to have a single dwarf as the butcher tanner task as you will never need to begin tanning until you finish butchering. You could also make this same dwarf your leatherworker.

Once a hide has been tanned it goes into the leather stockpile.

=== Leatherworking ===
''Requires: A [[leather works]], a [[leatherworker]], and a [[tanned hide]]''

Once you have tanned hides, whether created yourself or bought from a merchant, you can use them to produce leather goods at the [[leather works]].

== Summary ==
''Worker type / Labor''

*[[Ambusher]] / [[Hunting]]
** A [[crossbow]] or other [[weapon]]
** [[Bolts]], [[quiver]]
** Leather [[armor]]
** [[Cross-training|Stats buffing]]
** [[Archery target|Archery practice]]

*[[Cage trap]]ping
** [[Mechanic]]
** [[Mechanic's workshop]]
** [[Mechanisms]]
** [[Cage]]s

*Breeding
** [[Animals]]
** [[Cages]]
** [[Restraint]]s

*Processing
** [[Butcher]] / Butchery
*** [[Butcher's shop]]
** [[Tanner]] / Tanning
*** [[Tanner's shop]]
** [[Leatherworker]] / Leatherworking
*** [[Leather works]]
** [[Bone carver]] / Bone carving
*** [[Craftdwarf's workshop]]
** [[Cook]] / Cooking
*** [[Kitchen]]
*** [[Barrel]]s

==See also==
*[[Leather]]
*[[Industry]]

{{Workshops FAQ}}
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Materials]]
[[Category:Industry]]

Talk:Main Page/archive2

2008-11-28T13:03:56Z

Saiph: /* "new version" */

Order descends newest to oldest. Use edit to add a newer section.

== The "Bedroom Design" page is broken ==

When trying to load the page I get this error:

Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded in /home/virtual/site152/fst/var/www/html/dwarf/includes/Parser.php on line 2717

It's been this way for a couple days at least. The rest of the wiki works fine. – [[template:unsigned|unsigned]] comment by [[User:Phillstac3|Phillstac3]]

:The culprit was too much QD, which caused the page to load too slowly. The wiki gave up when it didnt load fast enough. I have the culprit for now, but I have idea for a more permanent solution. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 08:28, 15 August 2008 (EDT)

== "new version" ==

ShunterAlhena changed "new version" to "new (3D) version" to "3D version". I changed this to "Z-axis version", to reduce newbie confusion (thinking there's a fully-3D graphical version could be disappointing) but now I'm starting to wonder if maybe "new version" would be best after all. As far as I can tell, "new version" doesn't just mean all of the versions since the October 2007 release, but rather the ''latest'' version.

That said, that's what I'll tweak it to. --[[User:JT|JT]] 19:47, 29 July 2008 (EDT)

:IMO if the phrase "new version" is being used to refer to the "Z-axis version" of the game, then it isn't really clear enough. With Toady's regular updates, talking just about "new versions" is a little too ambiguous. How about the phrases "multi-level version" or "multi-floor version"? Either of those would be clearer I think. "Z-axis version" is also good for me. (This is my first suggestion/edit on a Wiki, so I hope it turns out ok!) --[[User:Saiph|Saiph]] 07:59, 28 November 2008 (EST)

== Offline Version? ==

Is there an offline version of DwarfFortressWiki (ala [http://static.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia])? I'm going to be doing some traveling, and would like to use this resource when I don't have internet access :) --[[User:Sim9]], unsigned

:I know that obtaining one is possible. --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 23:31, 6 June 2008 (EDT)

:I was told that a torrent was circulating on 4chan and other places but I don't know anything else about it. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 12:46, 7 June 2008 (EDT)
:Go to [[Special:Export]] then go to [[Special:Allpages]] in another window/tab. Make a copy of every article's name. Paste it into the export page and click export. Now its just a matter of finding a way to parse the xml file you get.

:I now have an offline copy. I can post it if anyone is interested in a copy :) --[[User:Sim9|Sim9]] 22:57, 8 June 2008 (EDT)

:: Just found this: [http://www.wikitaxi.org/delphi/doku.php/products/wikitaxi/index WikiTaxi]. It took me a while to find a suitable program for viewing Wiki XML dumps, so I thought I'd save some others the time. By 'suitable', I mean easy to use and without requiring a lot of extras before it will work (most I found require you to set up a server with a MySQL database and apache - I already meet those requirements on my desktop, but that almost defeats the purpose of downloading the wiki in the first place). This one however is completely portable - I can have it on external storage and use it on any computer I find myself needing to. --[[User:Tyranic-Moron|Tyranic-Moron]] 13:57, 15 June 2008 (EDT)

== Coincidence? ==

I got a quote that said: 
"You have been processed! Go forth, now, and edit!" 
--Savok 
right after creating this account... Is this a coincidence or a command? 
--[[User:Peewee|Peewee]] 20:02, 31 May 2008 (EDT)

:Coincidence. That's the end of a newbie-welcoming template that someone found funny enough to put in the [[Main Page/Quote|Quote list]], which delivers randomized quotes to the main page. --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 22:49, 31 May 2008 (EDT)

::Both coincidence AND command. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 11:41, 1 June 2008 (EDT)

== Russian Interwiki ==
I've made a deal with the admin of the Russian wiki, we can both link to each other. So if you know Russian, you're welcome to add links to the bottom of pages to their equivalent Russian pages.
For example, on the [[Carp]] page, I have added [[ru:Карп]] - so there is now a link to its Russian counterpart in the left-side navigation bar, under the "In other languages" header. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 13:37, 2 April 2008 (EDT)
:Looks like the other wiki may be down/broken. I don't have a suggested action though. -- [[User:Vaevictus|Vaevictus]] 13:33, 3 June 2008 (EDT)
::I have made new russian wiki. URL: http://www.dfwk.ru. I do translation now. -- [[User:igoreklim|igoreklim]] 22:15, 13 August 2008 (EDT)

== Many Laughs ==
Congrats to whomever made the april's fool's day changes. [[User:Yvain|Yvain]] 04:34, 1 April 2008 (EDT)

:Agreed. I didn't think of doing anything myself so kudos for going in. Nobody changes it for the whole day, I'll revert any reverts. :) --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 08:56, 1 April 2008 (EDT)

== Navigation on bottom ==
Since recently (2 or 3 days) the navigation and search box are at the very bottom of every page (opera user). Can someone please fix this? --[[User:Koltom|Koltom]] 07:38, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

:It's at the bottom of the page for me too, and I'm using Firefox. [[User:Klada|Klada]] 11:43, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

::Confirm this is happening for me as well, Firefox 2.0.0.12 ubuntu 7.04. --[[User:Nunix|Nunix]] 14:56, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

:::For what it's worth, ditto, and FF 2.0.0.12 Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 2. --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 15:07, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

::::Hah! Sorry, meant Senso. XD Good to have another confirmation regardless. Anyway, I went ahead and emailed him. It's weird how it just cropped up all of a sudden, hopefully something easily fixed. --[[User:Nunix|Nunix]] 02:00, 22 March 2008 (EDT)

:It should be back to normal now, sorry for that. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 11:54, 22 March 2008 (EDT)

::No worries, looks good here. Thanks! --[[User:Nunix|Nunix]] 17:54, 22 March 2008 (EDT)
::: *[[User:Koltom|Koltom]] jumps up and rejoices*
:::: "[[User:Koltom|Koltom]] was pleased to have a mandate deadline met lately."? --[[User:FunnyMan|FunnyMan]] 06:13, 27 March 2008 (EDT)

== "American" English or Rest-Of-The-World English? ==
Just a minor question, while spell-checking articles, I've encountered a few discrepancies between the two, but I usually see the "rest of the world English" more. So what's the official rule here, assuming we're going for a constant? --[[User:Snoob|Snoob]] 08:40, 7 March 2008 (EST)
:Haha. You don't sound biased at all ;). I figure we can go one of two routes. We can either claim that DF is an american topic, since it's being made in america by an american and the wiki is on an american domain—or we can say DF is an international topic since people from all over are funding Toady. If it's an international topic, we might as well follow the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#National_varieties_of_English wikipedia manual of style]. Wikipedia has no preference over the variant used, but there should be consistency in each article. The first user who makes an edit which disambiguates the variety being used in the article is considered the first major contributor and all subsequent edits to that article should use the same type of english. If in doubt, we have history pages. I think the reason you see british english more often in the wiki is because we've had a few editors who in their extreme modesty decided british english is superior and changed several of the american english articles over. I've noticed this happening on a few occasions. (please dont do that). [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 09:53, 7 March 2008 (EST)
::I second sticking with the Wikipedia's Manual of Style for language. And as a note, there isn't a "Rest of the World English." In fact, the language is documented to vary [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_accents_of_English_speakers|as much as the countries that speak it].
::So, how does the Namibian English variant sound to everyone? At least then most of us are at an equal starting point! :P --[[User:TarrVetus|TarrVetus]] 11:25, 7 March 2008 (EST)
::I made a pretty bad assumption there, I suppose. I was trying to not sound biased, but I suppose I accidentally let it creep in somewhere. I'll just leave the variations to you guys and stick to cleaning up actual typos then. :P --[[User:Snoob|Snoob]] 11:37, 7 March 2008 (EST)
:::Hehe. I can sympathize, Snoob. I've had this debate with myself in the past, though it was from the other side. --[[User:TarrVetus|TarrVetus]] 13:17, 7 March 2008 (EST)
:::This is a late reply, but I am an American in China. Here, English is classified either as American English or British English, and American English is widely preferred even though British English is taught to beginning students. I wouldn't say calling it "rest-of-the-world English" is very accurate. I would venture that many countries in Latin America also prefer American English, but what do it know.--[[User:RustyMcloon|Rusty Mcloon]] 01:16, 17 May 2008 (EDT)

== Version updates ==
There's a new version out today, so the version number and release date need changing. Unfortunately I have absolutely no idea how to do this as they appear to use some kind of function instead of being typed in. Somebody with the know-how fancy making the change? --[[User:TangoThree|TangoThree]] 10:04, 24 February 2008 (EST)
:[[Template:current/version]]
:[[Template:current/lastupdate]]
:[[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 10:15, 24 February 2008 (EST)

== Quote randomization ==

VengefulDonut, if you want to randomize that for improved quality, you'll need to do it right: Many (most?) of the quotes in the quote archive are in an ARCHIVE: They are bad quotes never intended to be reused. Also, what do we do when we get new quotes? Do they get put in a database, not to be used till the RNG chooses? --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 20:11, 7 February 2008 (EST)

:What would you like? [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 20:36, 7 February 2008 (EST)

::I suggest that one quote is permanant, and the other quote refresh everytime we visit the page. So far, I noticed that even if I refresh the page, the same quotes stay. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 05:49, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::A new quote on the left, and a randomized archive quote on the right? As for the refesh: the template checks the time. --[[User:Jackard|Jackard]] 06:35, 8 February 2008 (EST)

::::What is the tick? Every few minutes? --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 08:14, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::The template checks the time, but the time doesn't update because the server caches the page. It gets a new one whenever the server refreshes it; you can force this by editing the page or by clicking the preview button. Also, I could make it so that one of the quote boxes picks from the newest x quotes. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 10:43, 8 February 2008 (EST)

::::Having a newer quote on the left and an archived one on the right sounds better than a permanent quote on either. PS. Might want to remove a few of them, like the 'palisade' quote. --[[User:Jackard|Jackard]] 11:47, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::::The goal of the quote archive was to archive every single quote which ever got to the main page. If you want to thin out only the best quotes, I suggest you use a separate database for that. Even then, how "good" is a quote is very open to interpretation and taste. If I had to remove all the quotes I find bad or unfunny myself, I'd probably remove 80% of the present quotes in the archive. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 18:46, 8 February 2008 (EST)

::::::Ok. The right quotebox now chooses from the last 10 quotes instead of from among all of them. If anyone feels like they want to prune out or fiddle with quotes, go for it. I think what I've set up should be pretty straightforward, but if you have questions I'll be glad to answer them. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 20:11, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::I added two new quotes (40, and 41), but only 40 is showing up at the moment, am I doing something wrong? --[[User:Markavian|Markavian]] 10:10, 10 March 2008 (EDT)

::::You did it exactly right. The left quote box randomly chooses between all quotes. The right quote box randomly chooses between the 10 newest. It will come up eventually. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 10:17, 10 March 2008 (EDT)

:::If possible can we implement a check to insure that the left quote and the right quote are not in fact the same quote? I suppose it wouldn't be a big deal with a small quote, however when it is large, such as the 7 line one I ran into today appearing in both boxes, it makes the page seem a bit crowded and symmetrical. --[[User:Elvang|Elvang]] 14:51, 10 June 2008 (EDT)

::::We could do that, but the probability of identical quotes is 1⁄<totalquotenum>, so I don't think it's really needed.

== Requesting installation of ParserFunctions extension ==
It would be nice if the ParserFunctions[http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:ParserFunctions] extension was installed (#if, #expr, etc). It would be useful for having templates that exclude parts of it if no values are provided. Note: I cannot find a place for requesting extensions --[[User:Aygar|Aygar]] 13:00, 21 January 2008 (EST)

:ParserFunctions has been '''installed'''. I did a quick test and it works. Let me know if you run into problems. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 11:54, 22 January 2008 (EST)

== German Translation ==
I've got requests for either having a German wiki or Namespace. I'd like to have everybody's opinion on this. If you people think that having German (and maybe other languages eventually) translations on the main wiki is going to be annoying, tell me. I can also setup a new wiki on a subdomain (de.dwarffortresswiki.net for example). How would it be best organized? Should I use [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Template:Languages LanguageTemplates]? Is there a need for other additional languages? --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 09:31, 17 January 2008 (EST)
:Since Dwarf Fortress is only available in English, if you can play the game, you can also read the wiki. I really don't think a German (or any other language) wiki version is worth the effort.--[[User:Siliziumleben|Siliziumleben]] 14:22, 18 January 2008 (EST)
::My oppinion also. This doesn't mean we should stop those enthusiam people though. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 13:06, 17 January 2008 (EST)
::There's a big difference between understanding a game interface and reading long and complex tutorials, descriptions, discussions etc. I know French people who play this game; they can understand the UI but they use the French wiki for reference. Also, if I decide to use a separate wiki/subdomain, this will be totally transparent to you. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 16:40, 17 January 2008 (EST)
:::My first language, the one I used since I'm born, is French. Yet, I way prefer this wiki over the french one. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 10:06, 18 January 2008 (EST)
::::I'm French too, you know. But when I offered to host a DF wiki, I didn't do it in French because I know English is widely used. But I'm still glad that someone else started a French wiki. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 22:58, 20 January 2008 (EST)
I don't see what harm could come from hosting a German, Japanese, and Russian wiki. It's not like it will interfere with the English one. Also, as a student of languages, I would love to read equivalent articles in German and Japanese. --[[User:DDouble|DDouble]] 22:01, 17 February 2008 (EST)
::I am german and while I can read english books like german ones, I have to agree that being able to use a UI and understanding the finer points in a tutorial etc. are two quite different things. I guess that if the bandwidth of the wiki is no burden on anyone, it could actually lead to an influx of new ideas and players, which is very important for a "community" game like DF. --[[User:Caiburn|Caiburn]] 20:44, 18 February 2008 (CET+1)

== Version of MediaWiki? ==
Sorry if this is completely the wrong place, but does anybody know which version of MediaWiki these pages uses?
Maybe that information could be included in the page About DwarfFortressWiki? --[[User:Gauteamus|Gauteamus]] 17:00, 17 December 2007 (EST)
:I think I found out. This page: [[Special:Version]] says the version is 1.10.1, which should mean that limited #for-loops are supported. I will delete these comments soonishly, but will let them stay for a while incase someone has comments --[[User:Gauteamus|Gauteamus]] 17:28, 17 December 2007 (EST)

== Combat Logs? ==
What about a section where people could post cool combat logs from adventurer mode. This would different from the "Stories" section, which is more prose. (This is 'cause I'd like to post the log of a battle I had with a particularly clumsy Giant, who slammed into a wall allowing me to stab him in the back of the head for the eventual win. Its no dragon-slaying tale, but I still think its good.) --[[User:Wahnsinniger|Wahnsinniger]] 11:59, 2 December 2007 (EST)

== Humor? ==
Any thoughts about possibly linking [[Main Page/Quote Archive]] page somewhere on the main page? Its an orphan at the moment and is pretty funny and relevant. [[User:Vanan|Vanan]] 15:19, 13 November 2007 (EST)

I'd like to be able to see that happen. New people coming here might get overwhelmed if we don't amuse them with some good humor here and there.--[[User:AlBorland|AlBorland]] 13:42, 20 November 2007 (EST)

:I second that. This second is adorned with hanging rings of Goshenite and menaces with spikes of Goshenite. - [[User:Laugurinn|Laugurinn]] 22:57, 13 April 2008 (EDT)

Where does one stick new funny quotes? Namely, this:
 ""Thikut Atheludib, Marksdwarf cancels shooting at Archery Range: Interrupted by Groundhog pup" - What brave soldiers I have" [[User:Juckto|Juckto]] 18:45, 10 December 2007 (EST)
:That's not exactly funny, but [[Main_Page/Quote]]. --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMario]] 00:43, 14 April 2008 (EDT)

== Demystify messages? ==
Probably against the spirit of 'losing is fun', but how about a page that explains smoe of the more cryptic messages, such as; 'job item misplaced' and 'job item lost or destroyed'? [[User:Runspotrun|Runspotrun]] 16:43, 8 November 2007 (EST)

Also, is there a suggestions pages? This probably isn't the best page to add ideas... [[User:Runspotrun|Runspotrun]] 16:44, 8 November 2007 (EST)

== Importing old entries ==
What's the stance on importing entries from the old wiki for stuff like general item stats? Most of them are still correct (or nearly so) and it would be nice not to have to switch between this and the old wiki any more. I can add a disclaimer to them stating I pulled them from the archives if that's appropriate. --[[User:Xazak|Xazak]] 15:07, 2 November 2007 (EDT)
:IMO (and I'm not admin or anything) it should be ok but only if you are 100% sure EVERYTHING is correct, and have verified it personally. I've edited at least one article someone copy-pasted with no changes that had old info in it so far and it makes me sad. --[[User:BurnedToast|BurnedToast]] 15:38, 2 November 2007 (EDT)
::Yes, I second this. Please be diligent if you are going to import old information. Even if you can't do it yourself, at least categorize it as needing verification so someone with the free time can. --[[User:EighenIndemnis|EighenIndemnis]] 15:37, 6 November 2007 (EST)
:You could use [[Template:Verify]] to indicate that something needs confirmation in the new version. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 15:47, 6 November 2007 (EST)

I have noticed an increase of pages in which only an old Wiki page is copied/pasted along with a warning that it was copied and thus may not be accurate. Is it just me or that's ''exactly'' what we didn't want to happen, and one of the reasons we started fresh with the new Wiki to begin with? --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 01:45, 9 November 2007 (EST)

== Basic Format ==
I think the [[Farming]] page is a good format for most of the key pages, perhaps the structure from the archive should be followed. --[[User:Infinity|Infinity]] 05:56, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
:Agreed, I've tried to copy this style on several pages, e.g. [[Gear Assembly]]. --[[User:Markavian|Markavian]] 23:30, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
I would like to add a request for a 'build tree' of sorts. It would, for example, make figuring out how to get iron bars a whole lot less frustrating. --[[User:Dogcow|Dogcow]] 17:18, 1 November 2007 (EDT)
:Hello, I've added a whole page on the various metals you can make now. This is my first time editing a wiki so feel free to make corrections for me if you want, just leave me a message on the page letting me know where I went wrong. Also, since some Alloys involve smelting 3 bars of metal now, I have included a new template called Alloy3 to display these. I'm not sure on the colors though so have at it where I'm off :) --[[User:Chthon|Chthon]] 11:33, 3 November 2007 (EDT)
:Would like to second the build-tree suggestion. New player here, and I use the wiki to reference items I require but do not know how to build. I may be a bit slow, but it took me half a year to figure out I needed a Weaponsmith to make new Iron Picks. The wiki page only mentions the Metalsmith's Forge, and it never occurred to me that Weaponsmiths use the same workshop, since a pick is physically both wood and iron. Having a description that says exactly what is needed to create an item would be very useful for new players. --[[User:T.D.|tuxdelux]] 15:15, 8 October 2008 (EDT)

== Change guide? ==
Was just thinking, perhaps one of the links (or sections) on the main page should be a guide to the major changes between last version and this one. Yes, a TON of stuff has changed, but a lot also has not, and a lot of the core concepts are the same... so I would imagine many of us who have played the previous version(s) would love a section where we can see a list of new basics we have to learn, along with links to those things' individual pages... like, z-axis (obviously), mechanisms, fluid dynamics, nobles, elevation/slope, farming... you get the idea. --[[User:Cliffjeff|Cliffjeff]] 11:43, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
:Yea, I'm thinking not. Isn't the whole point of DF finding things out on your own? "Losing is Fun" and all that. Ok, so if we summarized all the changes, and someone (like me) didn't want to know we could not just not look at it right? What can I say? I'M WEAK! If we summarize the changes I will CONSUME it! (I'm only here because I still have another 6 hours of work before I can go home and try it!)
::Meanwhile, I'm lazy and stubborn and would love a consolidated list of only new things I need to know =p and I'm also trapped at work and unable to mess around in the game :( but if the whole point was finding out things on your own, why would we have a wiki? ;p --[[User:Cliffjeff|Cliffjeff]] 15:58, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
:::I agree, I think the change guide is a good idea, and it would also help us direct our attention at the articles that are likely to need the most work. --[[User:Peristarkawan|Peristarkawan]] 16:01, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
::::It ought not to be very hard to generate a basic change guide based on the official change notes, and then update it as the details are discovered. --[[User:Bobson|Bobson]] 16:26, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
:::A change guide 'page' might be useful pointing out major differences but I think the style of the wiki should be aimed at new users who know nothing of previous versions. I think we should not compare old/vs new as a rule, but if necessary we should include comparisons at the bottom of a page as apposed to the main article. That is how I am writing my edits. --[[User:Markavian|Markavian]] 23:26, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
::*The thing is, the whole idea of the wiki kind of goes against 'finding things out on your own'. If you want to be completely surprised by a game, don't read a wiki specifically intended to reveal all the details about it... sure, we do put warnings on the most spoily stuff, but at the end of the day this is a Wiki intended to document everything about Dwarf Fortress, so just about every page is going to be a spoiler to some degree. --[[User:Aquillion|Aquillion]] 03:12, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

To add my take on this subject... I think that this is a gigantic game, in some ways more complex then any of the Elder Scrolls game. I mean, in the ES games, you have weapons, armor and others... In this game you have an exceptionally large number of items of many different types and purposes... It's very difficult for newbies to fathom exactly what an item is used for. Without this Wiki, I think a lot of people would struggle with this game. [[User:AlexFili|AlexFili]] 05:59, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

== Possible bugs ==

Hi, this is my first time writing to any wiki.

I am writing about possible bugs. I have seen, that some sections of this wiki contain information about bugs. I think I have found one, but don't where to put it, or whether it is already here. I am also sorry, if this isn't the right place. If so, please delete this entry.

Anyway, if your furniture stockpile isn't big enough, and you try to put furniture into a specific room,it is sometimes possible, that that furniture won't be put. Instead, it will be blinking forever. You can change it functioning (make bedroom, throne room...) but to be honest, I don't know if this item is actually there, or not.

== alternate site???? ==

there appears to be a very similar site at
http://dwarf.lendemaindeveille.com/index.php/Immigration
(not just that adress)
what is the diffrence???

That's the address which was originally used for the site, before Senso registered a separate domain for it (dwarffortresswiki.net). Both domains are valid and point to the same content, so they're interchangeable. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 20:59, 21 August 2008 (EDT)

== Quotes ==

Just for the record, does anybody mind if I put a link to the [[Main Page/Quote Archive]] page on the front page? [[User:Shabang50|Shabang50]] 12:58, 30 September 2008 (EDT)

== Shutting down the archive ==

In about two weeks, I will shutdown the read-only archive (http://archive.dwarffortresswiki.net) as I believe we've been using the current versions long enough. I'm also looking at ways to reduce the server load, disk space used and bandwidth consumed. So there. If articles were not ported to the current wiki, please do ASAP. If you have objections, please speak now. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 12:33, 9 October 2008 (EDT)

:Regarding outright deletion: I'd prefer you didn't. Is there at least a way to preseve it in some downloadable format? The old version of the game was interesting in its intrinsic danger, and besides that, I have a succession game using that version. I think a downloadble, locally-running copy would be a good idea.--[[User:Dadamh|Dadamh]] 13:19, 11 October 2008 (EDT)

::Mediawiki allows for database dumps to be made. Any chance you could do this? I am interested in this content. See http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Backing_up_a_wiki - you'd just follow the procedures for an xml dump and make the resulting files available for a limited time. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 17:14, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

== PSA ==

While the intention is great, the main page isn't the place to post it.
It should be added to the editing/creating dialog, probably so that it appears under any previews, and above the actual editing box. --[[User:N9103|Edward]] 16:53, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

:Gladly - just tell me how to do it without the required permissions. --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMaria]] 19:50, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

::It was my intention that you would bring it up to Senso to do it. --[[User:N9103|Edward]] 22:35, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

:::Agreed, putting editing pet peeves at the top of the main page is overkill. Ask Senso to make the changes Edward suggests.--[[User:Maximus|Maximus]] 01:34, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:Frankly, I think it's important enough, and unknown enough, that it should stay on the front page. -- [[User:RomeoFalling|RomeoFalling]] 20:58, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

::If it does stay on the main page, professionalize it a bit more and remove the sigs. My vote's for taking it down anyways. I almost hit revert as a "knee-jerk response to vandalism". The main page article is not a place to air your grievances about how people edit. --[[User:Rkyeun|Rkyeun]] 06:02, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:::If it could be moved to the Editing/Creating page, then I wouldn't object to moving it off the main page. But I'm on several wikis, and not one of them lists the sign-off info anywhere that's easy or intuitive to discover. [[User:RomeoFalling|RomeoFalling]] 20:06, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

::::It can be, it just needs edit permissions on the host. While it looks a tad better now (thanks RF), it's still entirely out of place. --[[User:N9103|Edward]] 20:34, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

::::This is a very jarring thing to see on the main page. It is completely out of place and affects the first impression people get when they see the wiki. It just makes us look bad. Put the issue on Senso's talk page and he is likely to add it to the editing dialog, but it should be taken down first. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 09:34, 22 October 2008 (EDT)

::::I have removed the PSA under the premise that changes to the main page are wrong until proven right, rather than the other way around. We can return it after agreement has been reached regarding its presence. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 23:44, 22 October 2008 (EDT)

:I'll mess with the code today and include such a warning directly on the Editing template. I'm also tired of people not using signatures. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 15:59, 23 October 2008 (EDT)

There may be a page in the MediaWiki namespace that can be used. [[Mediawiki:Edittools]] will add text _after_ the edit box; I don't know about before. I know Wikipedia has a feature for that but I think it's an extension. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 08:41, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

Huh. after going through the source code I can now say there is NOT one - there's ones for all kinds of special cases (creating a page, recreating a deleted page, editing a protected page as an admin, editing a Mediawiki: page as an admin) but not one to just always show. Nevermind, then [[User:Random832|Random832]] 08:54, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

:I don't even see a huge problem with people not signing their posts, anyway. If a person only makes one or two posts, knowing their "name" isn't important. People who intend to stick around should be [[template:newbie|clued in]].--[[User:Maximus|Maximus]] 15:39, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

== Lets Download Dwarf Fortress! ==

Well you can't, and that's the issue. Are there any plans on changing the main page's link to a mirror? Since this wiki comes in second on Google only to the official Bay 12 homepage, it'd make sense for there to be a working download for potential players. [[User:Raithah|Raithah]] 01:05, 24 October 2008 (EDT)

: I added the links for mirrors 2-4 to the downtime notice. "Mirror" 1 is B12G itself. - [[User:FunnyMan|FunnyMan]] 01:15, 24 October 2008 (EDT)
::Per my PM to FunnyMan, is there a mirror link available for the Mac version? These are just the Windows version. [[User:23skidoo|23skidoo]] 21:35, 25 October 2008 (EDT)
::Though for obvious reasons I am unable to vouch for it's integrity (ie. infected by virus, spyware, etc.), [http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Games/Dwarf-Fortress.shtml|Softpedia] has a mirror of the most recent version, OS X edition. [[User:Raithah|Raithah]] 00:33, 26 October 2008 (EDT)
:::The download link is just the Bay12 site again, which is down, however Funnyman has just added a Mac download mirror link to the main page. [[User:23skidoo|23skidoo]] 16:26, 26 October 2008 (EDT)

== ETA? ==

I miss Bay 12 Games! Does anyone have any idea when we should be getting it back? I just want to know if I should stop constantly clicking my bookmark and sit back and wait for a few weeks. --[[User:Zoodle|Zoodle]] 16:23, 26 October 2008 (EDT)

: I think it's safe to say that since we can't make donations to Toady while the site's down, it'll be back up pretty soon. --[[User:Fossaman|Fossaman]] 13:58, 27 October 2008 (PDT)
::You can make donations: if you go to an archived version of the page, the paypal buttons still work since paypal didn't crash. According to Toady on at least two occasions, the site was supposed to be back up today (monday). But that doesn't seem to be happening. It should happen soon, though. --[[User:Penguinofhonor|Penguinofhonor]] 22:23, 27 October 2008 (EDT)

::Looks like the main site just came back up. The forums are still not back up yet, though I imagine they will be within the next few hours. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 08:32, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

::You'll be pleased to know that the forums are now back up as well, and seem to be functioning normally. [[User:Ryo|Ryo]] 13:00, 29 October 2008 (EDT)

::So Random### decided to say that the forums are '''not''' up. Last I checked, being able to reach the "you are banned" screen means the forums are back up. --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMaria]] 14:16, 29 October 2008 (EDT)
...huh? (way to insult me behind my back btw - if you have something to say, next time say it on [[user talk:random832|my talk page]]) - anyway, it was a DNS problem, and the page I did see was a PHP error message, NOT a forum software "you are banned" messages. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 16:35, 10 November 2008 (EST)

== Forums? ==

A short time ago but after the forums crashed I got a pair of PMs claiming to be from the bay12games forum.

Are these forums up somewhere, or how would I explain those PMs? – [[template:unsigned|unsigned]] comment by [[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]]

:Last I checked, the b12g forums were actually back up and linked to from the bay12games site. <_< --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMaria]] 23:47, 20 November 2008 (EST)

::Nope, when I go to /forum/ I just get a mostly-empty directory view --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 09:14, 21 November 2008 (EST)

DNS problems. See instructions at http://www.dwarffortresswiki.net/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=34213 . [[User:Random832|Random832]] 11:57, 21 November 2008 (EST)

:Not helpful- I've already flushed my DNS several times, used ''different'' DNS's, and tried that fix- I'm still getting the 'empty' forum folder. And according to cmd>ping, the DNS addresses are already correct.

::Strange. Try going specifically to http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 22:21, 21 November 2008 (EST)

:::404, actually --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 01:03, 22 November 2008 (EST)

::::OK then, what IP address is it indicating when you ping the server (which you mentioned above)? The new, current IP (which I double checked) for bay12games.com is 216.97.239.212. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 03:59, 22 November 2008 (EST)

::::That -is- the IP ._. In fact, that`s been the IP for months.
::::That said, manually going to http://216.97.239.212/forum/ worked, but trying to click -anything- redirects me to a 404 on bay12games.com/forum/. About the only other thing I can see is that I'm getting wwwRedirect in the GET string.
:::: Hm, found what may be the issue. Despite having flushed/registered the DNS a week or so ago, my DNS records still have the wrong IP in for bay12games. Confusing as all get-out, since /dwarves/dev_now.html works fine for me. {{unsigned|Sukasa}}

:::::The ping command should resolve DNS entries exactly the same as your browser would, so that was why I was asking (i.e. "ping bay12games.com" should resolve to 216.97.239.212). Glad you've got it nailed down as a DNS issue though. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 19:25, 22 November 2008 (EST)
:::::Uh, by the way: do you access the internet through a router? Sometimes they can muck things up, and in fact I've seen one cause problems by caching DNS entries. Fixing such a problem would vary from one router to the next, though. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 19:34, 22 November 2008 (EST)

:::::It's a Linksys Router, yes. It's definitely not the router and instead my internal cache, since the problem persists even when I bring my laptop to work or to University. --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 23:53, 22 November 2008 (EST)

:::::Firefox also maintains its own cache, IIRC. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 11:13, 24 November 2008 (EST)

:::::Nah, I use Chrome. Anyways, managed to fix it, thanks for the help --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 16:51, 25 November 2008 (EST)

Talk:Main Page/archive2

2008-11-28T12:59:42Z

Saiph: /* "new version" */

Order descends newest to oldest. Use edit to add a newer section.

== The "Bedroom Design" page is broken ==

When trying to load the page I get this error:

Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded in /home/virtual/site152/fst/var/www/html/dwarf/includes/Parser.php on line 2717

It's been this way for a couple days at least. The rest of the wiki works fine. – [[template:unsigned|unsigned]] comment by [[User:Phillstac3|Phillstac3]]

:The culprit was too much QD, which caused the page to load too slowly. The wiki gave up when it didnt load fast enough. I have the culprit for now, but I have idea for a more permanent solution. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 08:28, 15 August 2008 (EDT)

== "new version" ==

ShunterAlhena changed "new version" to "new (3D) version" to "3D version". I changed this to "Z-axis version", to reduce newbie confusion (thinking there's a fully-3D graphical version could be disappointing) but now I'm starting to wonder if maybe "new version" would be best after all. As far as I can tell, "new version" doesn't just mean all of the versions since the October 2007 release, but rather the ''latest'' version.

That said, that's what I'll tweak it to. --[[User:JT|JT]] 19:47, 29 July 2008 (EDT)

IMO if the phrase "new version" is being used to refer to the "Z-axis version" of the game, then it isn't really clear enough. With Toady's regular updates, talking just about "new versions" is a little too ambiguous. How about the phrases "multi-level version" or "multi-floor version"? Either of those would be clearer I think. (This is my first suggestion/edit on a Wiki, so I hope it turns out ok!) --[[User:Saiph|Saiph]] 07:59, 28 November 2008 (EST)

== Offline Version? ==

Is there an offline version of DwarfFortressWiki (ala [http://static.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia])? I'm going to be doing some traveling, and would like to use this resource when I don't have internet access :) --[[User:Sim9]], unsigned

:I know that obtaining one is possible. --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 23:31, 6 June 2008 (EDT)

:I was told that a torrent was circulating on 4chan and other places but I don't know anything else about it. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 12:46, 7 June 2008 (EDT)
:Go to [[Special:Export]] then go to [[Special:Allpages]] in another window/tab. Make a copy of every article's name. Paste it into the export page and click export. Now its just a matter of finding a way to parse the xml file you get.

:I now have an offline copy. I can post it if anyone is interested in a copy :) --[[User:Sim9|Sim9]] 22:57, 8 June 2008 (EDT)

:: Just found this: [http://www.wikitaxi.org/delphi/doku.php/products/wikitaxi/index WikiTaxi]. It took me a while to find a suitable program for viewing Wiki XML dumps, so I thought I'd save some others the time. By 'suitable', I mean easy to use and without requiring a lot of extras before it will work (most I found require you to set up a server with a MySQL database and apache - I already meet those requirements on my desktop, but that almost defeats the purpose of downloading the wiki in the first place). This one however is completely portable - I can have it on external storage and use it on any computer I find myself needing to. --[[User:Tyranic-Moron|Tyranic-Moron]] 13:57, 15 June 2008 (EDT)

== Coincidence? ==

I got a quote that said: 
"You have been processed! Go forth, now, and edit!" 
--Savok 
right after creating this account... Is this a coincidence or a command? 
--[[User:Peewee|Peewee]] 20:02, 31 May 2008 (EDT)

:Coincidence. That's the end of a newbie-welcoming template that someone found funny enough to put in the [[Main Page/Quote|Quote list]], which delivers randomized quotes to the main page. --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 22:49, 31 May 2008 (EDT)

::Both coincidence AND command. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 11:41, 1 June 2008 (EDT)

== Russian Interwiki ==
I've made a deal with the admin of the Russian wiki, we can both link to each other. So if you know Russian, you're welcome to add links to the bottom of pages to their equivalent Russian pages.
For example, on the [[Carp]] page, I have added [[ru:Карп]] - so there is now a link to its Russian counterpart in the left-side navigation bar, under the "In other languages" header. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 13:37, 2 April 2008 (EDT)
:Looks like the other wiki may be down/broken. I don't have a suggested action though. -- [[User:Vaevictus|Vaevictus]] 13:33, 3 June 2008 (EDT)
::I have made new russian wiki. URL: http://www.dfwk.ru. I do translation now. -- [[User:igoreklim|igoreklim]] 22:15, 13 August 2008 (EDT)

== Many Laughs ==
Congrats to whomever made the april's fool's day changes. [[User:Yvain|Yvain]] 04:34, 1 April 2008 (EDT)

:Agreed. I didn't think of doing anything myself so kudos for going in. Nobody changes it for the whole day, I'll revert any reverts. :) --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 08:56, 1 April 2008 (EDT)

== Navigation on bottom ==
Since recently (2 or 3 days) the navigation and search box are at the very bottom of every page (opera user). Can someone please fix this? --[[User:Koltom|Koltom]] 07:38, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

:It's at the bottom of the page for me too, and I'm using Firefox. [[User:Klada|Klada]] 11:43, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

::Confirm this is happening for me as well, Firefox 2.0.0.12 ubuntu 7.04. --[[User:Nunix|Nunix]] 14:56, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

:::For what it's worth, ditto, and FF 2.0.0.12 Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 2. --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 15:07, 21 March 2008 (EDT)

::::Hah! Sorry, meant Senso. XD Good to have another confirmation regardless. Anyway, I went ahead and emailed him. It's weird how it just cropped up all of a sudden, hopefully something easily fixed. --[[User:Nunix|Nunix]] 02:00, 22 March 2008 (EDT)

:It should be back to normal now, sorry for that. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 11:54, 22 March 2008 (EDT)

::No worries, looks good here. Thanks! --[[User:Nunix|Nunix]] 17:54, 22 March 2008 (EDT)
::: *[[User:Koltom|Koltom]] jumps up and rejoices*
:::: "[[User:Koltom|Koltom]] was pleased to have a mandate deadline met lately."? --[[User:FunnyMan|FunnyMan]] 06:13, 27 March 2008 (EDT)

== "American" English or Rest-Of-The-World English? ==
Just a minor question, while spell-checking articles, I've encountered a few discrepancies between the two, but I usually see the "rest of the world English" more. So what's the official rule here, assuming we're going for a constant? --[[User:Snoob|Snoob]] 08:40, 7 March 2008 (EST)
:Haha. You don't sound biased at all ;). I figure we can go one of two routes. We can either claim that DF is an american topic, since it's being made in america by an american and the wiki is on an american domain—or we can say DF is an international topic since people from all over are funding Toady. If it's an international topic, we might as well follow the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#National_varieties_of_English wikipedia manual of style]. Wikipedia has no preference over the variant used, but there should be consistency in each article. The first user who makes an edit which disambiguates the variety being used in the article is considered the first major contributor and all subsequent edits to that article should use the same type of english. If in doubt, we have history pages. I think the reason you see british english more often in the wiki is because we've had a few editors who in their extreme modesty decided british english is superior and changed several of the american english articles over. I've noticed this happening on a few occasions. (please dont do that). [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 09:53, 7 March 2008 (EST)
::I second sticking with the Wikipedia's Manual of Style for language. And as a note, there isn't a "Rest of the World English." In fact, the language is documented to vary [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_accents_of_English_speakers|as much as the countries that speak it].
::So, how does the Namibian English variant sound to everyone? At least then most of us are at an equal starting point! :P --[[User:TarrVetus|TarrVetus]] 11:25, 7 March 2008 (EST)
::I made a pretty bad assumption there, I suppose. I was trying to not sound biased, but I suppose I accidentally let it creep in somewhere. I'll just leave the variations to you guys and stick to cleaning up actual typos then. :P --[[User:Snoob|Snoob]] 11:37, 7 March 2008 (EST)
:::Hehe. I can sympathize, Snoob. I've had this debate with myself in the past, though it was from the other side. --[[User:TarrVetus|TarrVetus]] 13:17, 7 March 2008 (EST)
:::This is a late reply, but I am an American in China. Here, English is classified either as American English or British English, and American English is widely preferred even though British English is taught to beginning students. I wouldn't say calling it "rest-of-the-world English" is very accurate. I would venture that many countries in Latin America also prefer American English, but what do it know.--[[User:RustyMcloon|Rusty Mcloon]] 01:16, 17 May 2008 (EDT)

== Version updates ==
There's a new version out today, so the version number and release date need changing. Unfortunately I have absolutely no idea how to do this as they appear to use some kind of function instead of being typed in. Somebody with the know-how fancy making the change? --[[User:TangoThree|TangoThree]] 10:04, 24 February 2008 (EST)
:[[Template:current/version]]
:[[Template:current/lastupdate]]
:[[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 10:15, 24 February 2008 (EST)

== Quote randomization ==

VengefulDonut, if you want to randomize that for improved quality, you'll need to do it right: Many (most?) of the quotes in the quote archive are in an ARCHIVE: They are bad quotes never intended to be reused. Also, what do we do when we get new quotes? Do they get put in a database, not to be used till the RNG chooses? --[[User:Savok|Savok]] 20:11, 7 February 2008 (EST)

:What would you like? [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 20:36, 7 February 2008 (EST)

::I suggest that one quote is permanant, and the other quote refresh everytime we visit the page. So far, I noticed that even if I refresh the page, the same quotes stay. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 05:49, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::A new quote on the left, and a randomized archive quote on the right? As for the refesh: the template checks the time. --[[User:Jackard|Jackard]] 06:35, 8 February 2008 (EST)

::::What is the tick? Every few minutes? --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 08:14, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::The template checks the time, but the time doesn't update because the server caches the page. It gets a new one whenever the server refreshes it; you can force this by editing the page or by clicking the preview button. Also, I could make it so that one of the quote boxes picks from the newest x quotes. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 10:43, 8 February 2008 (EST)

::::Having a newer quote on the left and an archived one on the right sounds better than a permanent quote on either. PS. Might want to remove a few of them, like the 'palisade' quote. --[[User:Jackard|Jackard]] 11:47, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::::The goal of the quote archive was to archive every single quote which ever got to the main page. If you want to thin out only the best quotes, I suggest you use a separate database for that. Even then, how "good" is a quote is very open to interpretation and taste. If I had to remove all the quotes I find bad or unfunny myself, I'd probably remove 80% of the present quotes in the archive. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 18:46, 8 February 2008 (EST)

::::::Ok. The right quotebox now chooses from the last 10 quotes instead of from among all of them. If anyone feels like they want to prune out or fiddle with quotes, go for it. I think what I've set up should be pretty straightforward, but if you have questions I'll be glad to answer them. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 20:11, 8 February 2008 (EST)

:::I added two new quotes (40, and 41), but only 40 is showing up at the moment, am I doing something wrong? --[[User:Markavian|Markavian]] 10:10, 10 March 2008 (EDT)

::::You did it exactly right. The left quote box randomly chooses between all quotes. The right quote box randomly chooses between the 10 newest. It will come up eventually. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 10:17, 10 March 2008 (EDT)

:::If possible can we implement a check to insure that the left quote and the right quote are not in fact the same quote? I suppose it wouldn't be a big deal with a small quote, however when it is large, such as the 7 line one I ran into today appearing in both boxes, it makes the page seem a bit crowded and symmetrical. --[[User:Elvang|Elvang]] 14:51, 10 June 2008 (EDT)

::::We could do that, but the probability of identical quotes is 1⁄<totalquotenum>, so I don't think it's really needed.

== Requesting installation of ParserFunctions extension ==
It would be nice if the ParserFunctions[http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:ParserFunctions] extension was installed (#if, #expr, etc). It would be useful for having templates that exclude parts of it if no values are provided. Note: I cannot find a place for requesting extensions --[[User:Aygar|Aygar]] 13:00, 21 January 2008 (EST)

:ParserFunctions has been '''installed'''. I did a quick test and it works. Let me know if you run into problems. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 11:54, 22 January 2008 (EST)

== German Translation ==
I've got requests for either having a German wiki or Namespace. I'd like to have everybody's opinion on this. If you people think that having German (and maybe other languages eventually) translations on the main wiki is going to be annoying, tell me. I can also setup a new wiki on a subdomain (de.dwarffortresswiki.net for example). How would it be best organized? Should I use [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Template:Languages LanguageTemplates]? Is there a need for other additional languages? --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 09:31, 17 January 2008 (EST)
:Since Dwarf Fortress is only available in English, if you can play the game, you can also read the wiki. I really don't think a German (or any other language) wiki version is worth the effort.--[[User:Siliziumleben|Siliziumleben]] 14:22, 18 January 2008 (EST)
::My oppinion also. This doesn't mean we should stop those enthusiam people though. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 13:06, 17 January 2008 (EST)
::There's a big difference between understanding a game interface and reading long and complex tutorials, descriptions, discussions etc. I know French people who play this game; they can understand the UI but they use the French wiki for reference. Also, if I decide to use a separate wiki/subdomain, this will be totally transparent to you. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 16:40, 17 January 2008 (EST)
:::My first language, the one I used since I'm born, is French. Yet, I way prefer this wiki over the french one. --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 10:06, 18 January 2008 (EST)
::::I'm French too, you know. But when I offered to host a DF wiki, I didn't do it in French because I know English is widely used. But I'm still glad that someone else started a French wiki. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 22:58, 20 January 2008 (EST)
I don't see what harm could come from hosting a German, Japanese, and Russian wiki. It's not like it will interfere with the English one. Also, as a student of languages, I would love to read equivalent articles in German and Japanese. --[[User:DDouble|DDouble]] 22:01, 17 February 2008 (EST)
::I am german and while I can read english books like german ones, I have to agree that being able to use a UI and understanding the finer points in a tutorial etc. are two quite different things. I guess that if the bandwidth of the wiki is no burden on anyone, it could actually lead to an influx of new ideas and players, which is very important for a "community" game like DF. --[[User:Caiburn|Caiburn]] 20:44, 18 February 2008 (CET+1)

== Version of MediaWiki? ==
Sorry if this is completely the wrong place, but does anybody know which version of MediaWiki these pages uses?
Maybe that information could be included in the page About DwarfFortressWiki? --[[User:Gauteamus|Gauteamus]] 17:00, 17 December 2007 (EST)
:I think I found out. This page: [[Special:Version]] says the version is 1.10.1, which should mean that limited #for-loops are supported. I will delete these comments soonishly, but will let them stay for a while incase someone has comments --[[User:Gauteamus|Gauteamus]] 17:28, 17 December 2007 (EST)

== Combat Logs? ==
What about a section where people could post cool combat logs from adventurer mode. This would different from the "Stories" section, which is more prose. (This is 'cause I'd like to post the log of a battle I had with a particularly clumsy Giant, who slammed into a wall allowing me to stab him in the back of the head for the eventual win. Its no dragon-slaying tale, but I still think its good.) --[[User:Wahnsinniger|Wahnsinniger]] 11:59, 2 December 2007 (EST)

== Humor? ==
Any thoughts about possibly linking [[Main Page/Quote Archive]] page somewhere on the main page? Its an orphan at the moment and is pretty funny and relevant. [[User:Vanan|Vanan]] 15:19, 13 November 2007 (EST)

I'd like to be able to see that happen. New people coming here might get overwhelmed if we don't amuse them with some good humor here and there.--[[User:AlBorland|AlBorland]] 13:42, 20 November 2007 (EST)

:I second that. This second is adorned with hanging rings of Goshenite and menaces with spikes of Goshenite. - [[User:Laugurinn|Laugurinn]] 22:57, 13 April 2008 (EDT)

Where does one stick new funny quotes? Namely, this:
 ""Thikut Atheludib, Marksdwarf cancels shooting at Archery Range: Interrupted by Groundhog pup" - What brave soldiers I have" [[User:Juckto|Juckto]] 18:45, 10 December 2007 (EST)
:That's not exactly funny, but [[Main_Page/Quote]]. --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMario]] 00:43, 14 April 2008 (EDT)

== Demystify messages? ==
Probably against the spirit of 'losing is fun', but how about a page that explains smoe of the more cryptic messages, such as; 'job item misplaced' and 'job item lost or destroyed'? [[User:Runspotrun|Runspotrun]] 16:43, 8 November 2007 (EST)

Also, is there a suggestions pages? This probably isn't the best page to add ideas... [[User:Runspotrun|Runspotrun]] 16:44, 8 November 2007 (EST)

== Importing old entries ==
What's the stance on importing entries from the old wiki for stuff like general item stats? Most of them are still correct (or nearly so) and it would be nice not to have to switch between this and the old wiki any more. I can add a disclaimer to them stating I pulled them from the archives if that's appropriate. --[[User:Xazak|Xazak]] 15:07, 2 November 2007 (EDT)
:IMO (and I'm not admin or anything) it should be ok but only if you are 100% sure EVERYTHING is correct, and have verified it personally. I've edited at least one article someone copy-pasted with no changes that had old info in it so far and it makes me sad. --[[User:BurnedToast|BurnedToast]] 15:38, 2 November 2007 (EDT)
::Yes, I second this. Please be diligent if you are going to import old information. Even if you can't do it yourself, at least categorize it as needing verification so someone with the free time can. --[[User:EighenIndemnis|EighenIndemnis]] 15:37, 6 November 2007 (EST)
:You could use [[Template:Verify]] to indicate that something needs confirmation in the new version. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 15:47, 6 November 2007 (EST)

I have noticed an increase of pages in which only an old Wiki page is copied/pasted along with a warning that it was copied and thus may not be accurate. Is it just me or that's ''exactly'' what we didn't want to happen, and one of the reasons we started fresh with the new Wiki to begin with? --[[User:Eagle of Fire|Eagle of Fire]] 01:45, 9 November 2007 (EST)

== Basic Format ==
I think the [[Farming]] page is a good format for most of the key pages, perhaps the structure from the archive should be followed. --[[User:Infinity|Infinity]] 05:56, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
:Agreed, I've tried to copy this style on several pages, e.g. [[Gear Assembly]]. --[[User:Markavian|Markavian]] 23:30, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
I would like to add a request for a 'build tree' of sorts. It would, for example, make figuring out how to get iron bars a whole lot less frustrating. --[[User:Dogcow|Dogcow]] 17:18, 1 November 2007 (EDT)
:Hello, I've added a whole page on the various metals you can make now. This is my first time editing a wiki so feel free to make corrections for me if you want, just leave me a message on the page letting me know where I went wrong. Also, since some Alloys involve smelting 3 bars of metal now, I have included a new template called Alloy3 to display these. I'm not sure on the colors though so have at it where I'm off :) --[[User:Chthon|Chthon]] 11:33, 3 November 2007 (EDT)
:Would like to second the build-tree suggestion. New player here, and I use the wiki to reference items I require but do not know how to build. I may be a bit slow, but it took me half a year to figure out I needed a Weaponsmith to make new Iron Picks. The wiki page only mentions the Metalsmith's Forge, and it never occurred to me that Weaponsmiths use the same workshop, since a pick is physically both wood and iron. Having a description that says exactly what is needed to create an item would be very useful for new players. --[[User:T.D.|tuxdelux]] 15:15, 8 October 2008 (EDT)

== Change guide? ==
Was just thinking, perhaps one of the links (or sections) on the main page should be a guide to the major changes between last version and this one. Yes, a TON of stuff has changed, but a lot also has not, and a lot of the core concepts are the same... so I would imagine many of us who have played the previous version(s) would love a section where we can see a list of new basics we have to learn, along with links to those things' individual pages... like, z-axis (obviously), mechanisms, fluid dynamics, nobles, elevation/slope, farming... you get the idea. --[[User:Cliffjeff|Cliffjeff]] 11:43, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
:Yea, I'm thinking not. Isn't the whole point of DF finding things out on your own? "Losing is Fun" and all that. Ok, so if we summarized all the changes, and someone (like me) didn't want to know we could not just not look at it right? What can I say? I'M WEAK! If we summarize the changes I will CONSUME it! (I'm only here because I still have another 6 hours of work before I can go home and try it!)
::Meanwhile, I'm lazy and stubborn and would love a consolidated list of only new things I need to know =p and I'm also trapped at work and unable to mess around in the game :( but if the whole point was finding out things on your own, why would we have a wiki? ;p --[[User:Cliffjeff|Cliffjeff]] 15:58, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
:::I agree, I think the change guide is a good idea, and it would also help us direct our attention at the articles that are likely to need the most work. --[[User:Peristarkawan|Peristarkawan]] 16:01, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
::::It ought not to be very hard to generate a basic change guide based on the official change notes, and then update it as the details are discovered. --[[User:Bobson|Bobson]] 16:26, 30 October 2007 (EDT)
:::A change guide 'page' might be useful pointing out major differences but I think the style of the wiki should be aimed at new users who know nothing of previous versions. I think we should not compare old/vs new as a rule, but if necessary we should include comparisons at the bottom of a page as apposed to the main article. That is how I am writing my edits. --[[User:Markavian|Markavian]] 23:26, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
::*The thing is, the whole idea of the wiki kind of goes against 'finding things out on your own'. If you want to be completely surprised by a game, don't read a wiki specifically intended to reveal all the details about it... sure, we do put warnings on the most spoily stuff, but at the end of the day this is a Wiki intended to document everything about Dwarf Fortress, so just about every page is going to be a spoiler to some degree. --[[User:Aquillion|Aquillion]] 03:12, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

To add my take on this subject... I think that this is a gigantic game, in some ways more complex then any of the Elder Scrolls game. I mean, in the ES games, you have weapons, armor and others... In this game you have an exceptionally large number of items of many different types and purposes... It's very difficult for newbies to fathom exactly what an item is used for. Without this Wiki, I think a lot of people would struggle with this game. [[User:AlexFili|AlexFili]] 05:59, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

== Possible bugs ==

Hi, this is my first time writing to any wiki.

I am writing about possible bugs. I have seen, that some sections of this wiki contain information about bugs. I think I have found one, but don't where to put it, or whether it is already here. I am also sorry, if this isn't the right place. If so, please delete this entry.

Anyway, if your furniture stockpile isn't big enough, and you try to put furniture into a specific room,it is sometimes possible, that that furniture won't be put. Instead, it will be blinking forever. You can change it functioning (make bedroom, throne room...) but to be honest, I don't know if this item is actually there, or not.

== alternate site???? ==

there appears to be a very similar site at
http://dwarf.lendemaindeveille.com/index.php/Immigration
(not just that adress)
what is the diffrence???

That's the address which was originally used for the site, before Senso registered a separate domain for it (dwarffortresswiki.net). Both domains are valid and point to the same content, so they're interchangeable. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 20:59, 21 August 2008 (EDT)

== Quotes ==

Just for the record, does anybody mind if I put a link to the [[Main Page/Quote Archive]] page on the front page? [[User:Shabang50|Shabang50]] 12:58, 30 September 2008 (EDT)

== Shutting down the archive ==

In about two weeks, I will shutdown the read-only archive (http://archive.dwarffortresswiki.net) as I believe we've been using the current versions long enough. I'm also looking at ways to reduce the server load, disk space used and bandwidth consumed. So there. If articles were not ported to the current wiki, please do ASAP. If you have objections, please speak now. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 12:33, 9 October 2008 (EDT)

:Regarding outright deletion: I'd prefer you didn't. Is there at least a way to preseve it in some downloadable format? The old version of the game was interesting in its intrinsic danger, and besides that, I have a succession game using that version. I think a downloadble, locally-running copy would be a good idea.--[[User:Dadamh|Dadamh]] 13:19, 11 October 2008 (EDT)

::Mediawiki allows for database dumps to be made. Any chance you could do this? I am interested in this content. See http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Backing_up_a_wiki - you'd just follow the procedures for an xml dump and make the resulting files available for a limited time. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 17:14, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

== PSA ==

While the intention is great, the main page isn't the place to post it.
It should be added to the editing/creating dialog, probably so that it appears under any previews, and above the actual editing box. --[[User:N9103|Edward]] 16:53, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

:Gladly - just tell me how to do it without the required permissions. --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMaria]] 19:50, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

::It was my intention that you would bring it up to Senso to do it. --[[User:N9103|Edward]] 22:35, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

:::Agreed, putting editing pet peeves at the top of the main page is overkill. Ask Senso to make the changes Edward suggests.--[[User:Maximus|Maximus]] 01:34, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:Frankly, I think it's important enough, and unknown enough, that it should stay on the front page. -- [[User:RomeoFalling|RomeoFalling]] 20:58, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

::If it does stay on the main page, professionalize it a bit more and remove the sigs. My vote's for taking it down anyways. I almost hit revert as a "knee-jerk response to vandalism". The main page article is not a place to air your grievances about how people edit. --[[User:Rkyeun|Rkyeun]] 06:02, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:::If it could be moved to the Editing/Creating page, then I wouldn't object to moving it off the main page. But I'm on several wikis, and not one of them lists the sign-off info anywhere that's easy or intuitive to discover. [[User:RomeoFalling|RomeoFalling]] 20:06, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

::::It can be, it just needs edit permissions on the host. While it looks a tad better now (thanks RF), it's still entirely out of place. --[[User:N9103|Edward]] 20:34, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

::::This is a very jarring thing to see on the main page. It is completely out of place and affects the first impression people get when they see the wiki. It just makes us look bad. Put the issue on Senso's talk page and he is likely to add it to the editing dialog, but it should be taken down first. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 09:34, 22 October 2008 (EDT)

::::I have removed the PSA under the premise that changes to the main page are wrong until proven right, rather than the other way around. We can return it after agreement has been reached regarding its presence. [[User:VengefulDonut|VengefulDonut]] 23:44, 22 October 2008 (EDT)

:I'll mess with the code today and include such a warning directly on the Editing template. I'm also tired of people not using signatures. --[[User:Senso|Senso]] 15:59, 23 October 2008 (EDT)

There may be a page in the MediaWiki namespace that can be used. [[Mediawiki:Edittools]] will add text _after_ the edit box; I don't know about before. I know Wikipedia has a feature for that but I think it's an extension. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 08:41, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

Huh. after going through the source code I can now say there is NOT one - there's ones for all kinds of special cases (creating a page, recreating a deleted page, editing a protected page as an admin, editing a Mediawiki: page as an admin) but not one to just always show. Nevermind, then [[User:Random832|Random832]] 08:54, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

:I don't even see a huge problem with people not signing their posts, anyway. If a person only makes one or two posts, knowing their "name" isn't important. People who intend to stick around should be [[template:newbie|clued in]].--[[User:Maximus|Maximus]] 15:39, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

== Lets Download Dwarf Fortress! ==

Well you can't, and that's the issue. Are there any plans on changing the main page's link to a mirror? Since this wiki comes in second on Google only to the official Bay 12 homepage, it'd make sense for there to be a working download for potential players. [[User:Raithah|Raithah]] 01:05, 24 October 2008 (EDT)

: I added the links for mirrors 2-4 to the downtime notice. "Mirror" 1 is B12G itself. - [[User:FunnyMan|FunnyMan]] 01:15, 24 October 2008 (EDT)
::Per my PM to FunnyMan, is there a mirror link available for the Mac version? These are just the Windows version. [[User:23skidoo|23skidoo]] 21:35, 25 October 2008 (EDT)
::Though for obvious reasons I am unable to vouch for it's integrity (ie. infected by virus, spyware, etc.), [http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Games/Dwarf-Fortress.shtml|Softpedia] has a mirror of the most recent version, OS X edition. [[User:Raithah|Raithah]] 00:33, 26 October 2008 (EDT)
:::The download link is just the Bay12 site again, which is down, however Funnyman has just added a Mac download mirror link to the main page. [[User:23skidoo|23skidoo]] 16:26, 26 October 2008 (EDT)

== ETA? ==

I miss Bay 12 Games! Does anyone have any idea when we should be getting it back? I just want to know if I should stop constantly clicking my bookmark and sit back and wait for a few weeks. --[[User:Zoodle|Zoodle]] 16:23, 26 October 2008 (EDT)

: I think it's safe to say that since we can't make donations to Toady while the site's down, it'll be back up pretty soon. --[[User:Fossaman|Fossaman]] 13:58, 27 October 2008 (PDT)
::You can make donations: if you go to an archived version of the page, the paypal buttons still work since paypal didn't crash. According to Toady on at least two occasions, the site was supposed to be back up today (monday). But that doesn't seem to be happening. It should happen soon, though. --[[User:Penguinofhonor|Penguinofhonor]] 22:23, 27 October 2008 (EDT)

::Looks like the main site just came back up. The forums are still not back up yet, though I imagine they will be within the next few hours. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 08:32, 28 October 2008 (EDT)

::You'll be pleased to know that the forums are now back up as well, and seem to be functioning normally. [[User:Ryo|Ryo]] 13:00, 29 October 2008 (EDT)

::So Random### decided to say that the forums are '''not''' up. Last I checked, being able to reach the "you are banned" screen means the forums are back up. --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMaria]] 14:16, 29 October 2008 (EDT)
...huh? (way to insult me behind my back btw - if you have something to say, next time say it on [[user talk:random832|my talk page]]) - anyway, it was a DNS problem, and the page I did see was a PHP error message, NOT a forum software "you are banned" messages. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 16:35, 10 November 2008 (EST)

== Forums? ==

A short time ago but after the forums crashed I got a pair of PMs claiming to be from the bay12games forum.

Are these forums up somewhere, or how would I explain those PMs? – [[template:unsigned|unsigned]] comment by [[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]]

:Last I checked, the b12g forums were actually back up and linked to from the bay12games site. <_< --[[User:GreyMario|GreyMaria]] 23:47, 20 November 2008 (EST)

::Nope, when I go to /forum/ I just get a mostly-empty directory view --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 09:14, 21 November 2008 (EST)

DNS problems. See instructions at http://www.dwarffortresswiki.net/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=34213 . [[User:Random832|Random832]] 11:57, 21 November 2008 (EST)

:Not helpful- I've already flushed my DNS several times, used ''different'' DNS's, and tried that fix- I'm still getting the 'empty' forum folder. And according to cmd>ping, the DNS addresses are already correct.

::Strange. Try going specifically to http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 22:21, 21 November 2008 (EST)

:::404, actually --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 01:03, 22 November 2008 (EST)

::::OK then, what IP address is it indicating when you ping the server (which you mentioned above)? The new, current IP (which I double checked) for bay12games.com is 216.97.239.212. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 03:59, 22 November 2008 (EST)

::::That -is- the IP ._. In fact, that`s been the IP for months.
::::That said, manually going to http://216.97.239.212/forum/ worked, but trying to click -anything- redirects me to a 404 on bay12games.com/forum/. About the only other thing I can see is that I'm getting wwwRedirect in the GET string.
:::: Hm, found what may be the issue. Despite having flushed/registered the DNS a week or so ago, my DNS records still have the wrong IP in for bay12games. Confusing as all get-out, since /dwarves/dev_now.html works fine for me. {{unsigned|Sukasa}}

:::::The ping command should resolve DNS entries exactly the same as your browser would, so that was why I was asking (i.e. "ping bay12games.com" should resolve to 216.97.239.212). Glad you've got it nailed down as a DNS issue though. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 19:25, 22 November 2008 (EST)
:::::Uh, by the way: do you access the internet through a router? Sometimes they can muck things up, and in fact I've seen one cause problems by caching DNS entries. Fixing such a problem would vary from one router to the next, though. --[[User:Janus|Janus]] 19:34, 22 November 2008 (EST)

:::::It's a Linksys Router, yes. It's definitely not the router and instead my internal cache, since the problem persists even when I bring my laptop to work or to University. --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 23:53, 22 November 2008 (EST)

:::::Firefox also maintains its own cache, IIRC. [[User:Random832|Random832]] 11:13, 24 November 2008 (EST)

:::::Nah, I use Chrome. Anyways, managed to fix it, thanks for the help --[[User:Sukasa|Sukasa]] 16:51, 25 November 2008 (EST)