v0.31:Make your own weapons

xTATTEREDx  · +FINE+  · *SUPERIOR*  · ≡EXCEPTIONAL≡  · ☼MASTERWORK☼

v50.14 · v0.47 · v0.34 · v0.31.25 · v0.28 · v0.23 This article is about an older version of DF. More Info · V

Since anvils only cost 100 embark points now, making your own weapons is easier than it was before. Also, your training axe (which somehow fells trees) can be made at the Template:L (and a better one forged later with the abundance of minerals), so only one copper nugget and one anvil, and one stone is needed for a minimalist/survivor build.

The embark savings are very high now, as buying the default pick and axe costs 112 embark points, the same as the anvil and two copper nuggets (and with the second deal, you get an anvil for making whatever!). The training axes at embark save a lot, only costing 61 with the pick. The anvil, one wood, and one copper nugget only cost 109 points, only 48 points more expensive (and as before, you get an anvil).

Keep in mind that these plans don't include the cost of any skills, or of any reusable tools. You don't need the skills - an untrained dwarf will produce gear every bit as good as what you buy, although it may take some time. And the reusable tools, such as an anvil and the stones you need to build the furnaces, are REUSABLE; you should be bringing the anvil at the very least.

Bring Bronze Supplies

The basic item selection in "Prepare for the journey carefully" comes with two copper picks (at 44 points each), two copper battle axes (68 points each), and an iron anvil. Since copper ore and cassiterite costs 6 points a piece, and wood costs 3 points per log, you can carry the supplies for SIX bronze items for the cost of one of those copper battle axes:

• 3 copper ore (any type): 18 points
• 3 Template:L: 18 points
• 3 wood (to be converted to charcoal and then used to smelt the bronze): 9 points
• 6 wood (for charcoal, and then to forge each item): 18 points
• Total: 63 points

If you've got the patience, then you can add in Template:L at 3 points per piece and save on wood:

• metal ore as above: 36 points
• 1 wood (to be converted to charcoal and then used to smelt the first coal): 3 points
• 1 coal (for coke, and then to smelt the other coal): 3 points
• 1 coal (for coke, and then to smelt the bronze): 3 points
• 2 coal (for coke, and then to forge each item): 6 points
• Total: 51 points

Bismuth Is Pretty

If you don't mind spending more, you can replace some of the tin ores with Template:L and make Template:L items:

• 4 copper ore (any type): 24 points
• 2 cassiterite: 12 points
• 2 bismuthinite: 6 points
• 1 wood (for charcoal, and then to smelt the first coal): 3 points
• 3 coal (for coke, and then to smelt the other coal): 9 points
• 3 coal (for coke, and then to smelt the ores into bars): 9 points
• 1 coal (for coke, and then to smelt the bars to make the bronze): 3 points
• 2 coal (for coke, and then to forge each item): 6 points
• Total: 72 points

Unfortunately, what you gain by reducing the cost of your ores, you lose by having to smelt your ores into metal bars before converting them to alloys.

Steel Supplies are Expensive

Unfortunately, iron ores will cost you 24 points each, so if you're hoping to go directly for steel equipment, be prepared to spend:

• 2 iron ore (any type): 48 points
• 2 flux (any type): 12 points
• 2 wood (for charcoal, and then to smelt the iron): 6 points
• 2 wood (for charcoal, and then to make pig iron): 6 points
• 2 wood (for charcoal, and then to make the steel): 6 points
• 2 wood (for charcoal, and then to forge each item): 6 points
• Total: 84 points

Coal does help, if your civilization has it:

• iron ore/flux as above: 60 points
• 1 wood (for charcoal, and then to smelt coal): 3 points
• 1 coal (for coke, and then to smelt coal): 3 points
• 1 coal (for coke, and then to smelt iron/pig iron): 3 points
• 2 coal (for coke, and then to smelt steel/forge items): 6 points
• Total: 75 points