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Difference between revisions of "40d:Skill"

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{{av}}
 
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{{human}}
 
{{human}}
:''("Level" redirects here; if looking for information on different z-levels or layers, see [[40d:z-axis|z-axis]])''
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:''("Level" redirects here; if looking for information on different z-levels or layers, see {{L|z-axis}})''
  
 
----
 
----
  
  
'''Skills''' and '''Professions''' are two different things, and are distinct from '''[[40d:labor|labor preferences]]''', which are distinct from '''[[40d:job|job]]s''', but all four are closely related.
+
'''Skills''' and '''Professions''' are two different things, and are distinct from '''{{L|labor|labor preferences}}''', which are distinct from '''{{L|job}}s''', but all four are closely related.
  
The '''skills''' a dwarf has in an area determine how well that dwarf accomplishes [[40d:job|job]]s in that area. A dwarf's [[40d:labor|labor]]s can be turned on or off by the player (by {{k|v}}iewing that dwarf's {{k|p}}references for {{k|l}}abors, {{k|v}} {{k|p}} {{k|l}} ), and determine what sort of jobs a dwarf is ''allowed'' to do.  A dwarf may have great skill, but until you designate the appropriate labor and queue up some corresponding [[40d:job|job]]s, and then the dwarf actually responds and takes and finishes that job, nothing gets done. Skills increase in level with [[40d:experience|experience]]; every time a dwarf completes a task successfully, the corresponding skill will increase by an amount of experience. Once the experience total reaches the amount required for the next level, the skill level will increase.
+
The '''skills''' a dwarf has in an area determine how well that dwarf accomplishes {{L|job}}s in that area. A dwarf's {{L|labor}}s can be turned on or off by the player (by {{k|v}}iewing that dwarf's {{k|p}}references for {{k|l}}abors, {{k|v}} {{k|p}} {{k|l}} ), and determine what sort of jobs a dwarf is ''allowed'' to do.  A dwarf may have great skill, but until you designate the appropriate labor and queue up some corresponding {{L|job}}s, and then the dwarf actually responds and takes and finishes that job, nothing gets done. Skills increase in level with {{L|experience}}; every time a dwarf completes a task successfully, the corresponding skill will increase by an amount of experience. Once the experience total reaches the amount required for the next level, the skill level will increase.
  
'''Profession''' tends to describe what a dwarf does best, as defined by their skills, ''not'' what [[40d:labor|labor]]s they are currently designated to perform.  Their profession is usually, but not always based on their best skill.  A dwarf with cooking at level 1 and no other skills has the profession of "[[40d:cook|cook]]", but a dwarf with [[40d:cooking|cooking]] 14 and [[40d:armorsmith|armorsmith]] and [[40d:weaponsmith|weaponsmith]] and a dozen other skills all at 12 is ''also'' seen as having the profession of "[[40d:cook|cook]]".
+
'''Profession''' tends to describe what a dwarf does best, as defined by their skills, ''not'' what {{L|labor}}s they are currently designated to perform.  Their profession is usually, but not always based on their best skill.  A dwarf with cooking at level 1 and no other skills has the profession of "{{L|cook}}", but a dwarf with {{L|cooking}} 14 and {{L|armorsmith}} and {{L|weaponsmith}} and a dozen other skills all at 12 is ''also'' seen as having the profession of "{{L|cook}}".
  
Any dwarf can have ''any'' [[40d:labor|labor]] activated, even if they have absolutely no [[40d:experience|experience]] or levels in that skill. They are still the same '''profession'''.  The only difference is the speed they complete the task, and/or the [[40d:Item quality|quality]] of the final product.  So by turning different [[40d:labor|labor]]s on/off, you can have your [[40d:legendary|legendary]] [[40d:armorsmith|armorsmith]] designated with the [[40d:cook|cook]]ing labor, and your expert [[40d:grower|grower]] making weapons - probably a bad plan, but nothing stops you from doing that.
+
Any dwarf can have ''any'' {{L|labor}} activated, even if they have absolutely no {{L|experience}} or levels in that skill. They are still the same '''profession'''.  The only difference is the speed they complete the task, and/or the {{L|Item quality|quality}} of the final product.  So by turning different {{L|labor}}s on/off, you can have your {{L|legendary}} {{L|armorsmith}} designated with the {{L|cook}}ing labor, and your expert {{L|grower}} making weapons - probably a bad plan, but nothing stops you from doing that.
  
  
When {{k|A}}ctivated for the [[40d:military|military]], a dwarf's profession temporarily changes to a military one, but they will return to their civilian profession (if any) when de-Activated.  (Note that dwarfs with military skills in excess of Great skill (level 10) will become a [[40d:Hero#Heroes_and_Champions|hero]], abandoning any civilian professions and becoming permanently military.)
+
When {{k|A}}ctivated for the {{L|military}}, a dwarf's profession temporarily changes to a military one, but they will return to their civilian profession (if any) when de-Activated.  (Note that dwarfs with military skills in excess of Great skill (level 10) will become a {{L|Hero#Heroes_and_Champions|hero}}, abandoning any civilian professions and becoming permanently military.)
  
 
----
 
----
  
:''(If you are a new player and find yourself boggled at the variety of skills for your starting seven dwarfs, see [[40d:Starting build|Starting build]] for a general discussion on and examples of starting skill selection.)''
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:''(If you are a new player and find yourself boggled at the variety of skills for your starting seven dwarfs, see {{L|Starting build}} for a general discussion on and examples of starting skill selection.)''
  
 
== Profession ==
 
== Profession ==
  
'''Professions''' are determined in one of two ways.  For the majority of the population, the highest skill or skills of a [[40d:dwarf|dwarf]] determines their profession.  Also, as your fortress grows, some unique professionals will arrive, one-of-a-kind dwarfs who perform a very specific function in the community - even if that function is not always appreciated or welcome.  Such [[40d:Noble#Immigrant Nobles |immigrant nobles]] will be labeled with their noble "professions", regardless of any skills.  Also, a dwarven "baby" or "child" will carry that label as their "profession" until they are adults.  ([[40d:Noble#Appointments|Appointed noble]] titles do not affect professions, but may affect skills used and improved.)
+
'''Professions''' are determined in one of two ways.  For the majority of the population, the highest skill or skills of a {{L|dwarf}} determines their profession.  Also, as your fortress grows, some unique professionals will arrive, one-of-a-kind dwarfs who perform a very specific function in the community - even if that function is not always appreciated or welcome.  Such {{L|Noble#Immigrant Nobles |immigrant nobles}} will be labeled with their noble "professions", regardless of any skills.  Also, a dwarven "baby" or "child" will carry that label as their "profession" until they are adults.  ({{L|Noble#Appointments|Appointed noble}} titles do not affect professions, but may affect skills used and improved.)
  
Activating or de-activating a dwarf for the military changes their listed profession from civilian to military.  Having some military skills along with civilian skills does not make a dwarf a professional [[40d:soldier|soldier]]. If a Wood Cutter has some levels in Axedwarf or a Hunter has some levels in Marksdwarf, they are still a Wood Cutter or Hunter, civilian professions, until they are activated. A dwarf with novice level of Axedwarf and Legendary Brewing will be activated as an axedwarf if that's their highest weapon skill, while a dwarf with high skill level in axedwarf and novice level in brewing will be a [[40d:Brewer|Brewer]] as a civilian if [[40d:brewing|brewing]] is their highest civilian skill.
+
Activating or de-activating a dwarf for the military changes their listed profession from civilian to military.  Having some military skills along with civilian skills does not make a dwarf a professional {{L|soldier}}. If a Wood Cutter has some levels in Axedwarf or a Hunter has some levels in Marksdwarf, they are still a Wood Cutter or Hunter, civilian professions, until they are activated. A dwarf with novice level of Axedwarf and Legendary Brewing will be activated as an axedwarf if that's their highest weapon skill, while a dwarf with high skill level in axedwarf and novice level in brewing will be a {{L|Brewer}} as a civilian if {{L|brewing}} is their highest civilian skill.
  
A dwarf's profession also governs the possibility and likelihood, relative to the rest of the population, of entering a [[40d:Strange mood#Chance|strange mood]].
+
A dwarf's profession also governs the possibility and likelihood, relative to the rest of the population, of entering a {{L|Strange mood#Chance|strange mood}}.
  
Some non-dwarves will show professions that are not available to dwarves, like "[[40d:Thief|Thief]]", or non-dwarf [[40d:soldier|soldier]]s with non-dwarf [[40d:weapon|weapon]]s, like a [[40d:pikeman|pikeman]].  
+
Some non-dwarves will show professions that are not available to dwarves, like "{{L|Thief}}", or non-dwarf {{L|soldier}}s with non-dwarf {{L|weapon}}s, like a {{L|pikeman}}.  
  
In Adventure Mode, there are professions that are not available or relevant in Fortress Mode, like [[40d:Drunk|Drunk]] or Pikedwarf.
+
In Adventure Mode, there are professions that are not available or relevant in Fortress Mode, like {{L|Drunk}} or Pikedwarf.
  
 
=== Professions, colors, & skill categories ===
 
=== Professions, colors, & skill categories ===
  
Different professions are associated with a different [[40d:Color schemes|color]] of dwarf. If the profession changes (due to skill levels increasing), the profession may change and the color of the dwarf with that, if appropriate.  ''(See chart below for [[40d:color|color]]s associated to skills and professions.)'' A dwarf with the "[[40d:peasant|peasant]]" profession is a dwarf that has no skills above dabbling level and/or only has skills as shown in the "No profession" box below plus isn't an active military member.   
+
Different professions are associated with a different {{L|Color schemes|color}} of dwarf. If the profession changes (due to skill levels increasing), the profession may change and the color of the dwarf with that, if appropriate.  ''(See chart below for {{L|color}}s associated to skills and professions.)'' A dwarf with the "{{L|peasant}}" profession is a dwarf that has no skills above dabbling level and/or only has skills as shown in the "No profession" box below plus isn't an active military member.   
  
 
Some professions relate directly to one specific, (usually) dominant skill - "Bowyer" or "Wood Cutter" or "Wood Crafter", for example.  However some professions are a general category for similar skills - "Woodworker", in the instance of the previous 3 examples, would imply similar expertise with 2 or more skills in that one category.  The exact math varies as to how and when one particular profession vs another is chosen due to differences in and combinations of skill levels, but usually it's the highest skill(s)*.  If two skills in different categories are tied, it's the one listed first for that particular dwarf.
 
Some professions relate directly to one specific, (usually) dominant skill - "Bowyer" or "Wood Cutter" or "Wood Crafter", for example.  However some professions are a general category for similar skills - "Woodworker", in the instance of the previous 3 examples, would imply similar expertise with 2 or more skills in that one category.  The exact math varies as to how and when one particular profession vs another is chosen due to differences in and combinations of skill levels, but usually it's the highest skill(s)*.  If two skills in different categories are tied, it's the one listed first for that particular dwarf.
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On the {{k|u}}nit page, your dwarfs are always listed ''by profession'' in the order below (provided you have any of that type) - [[40d:miner|miner]]s first, [[40d:peasant|peasant]]s last* ''(represented in the "No profession" category below)''.  The colors displayed in this chart are the default Dwarf Fortress [[40d:Color_schemes#Default_Scheme|color scheme]]; if you have altered those, your colors will, obviously, be altered as well.
+
On the {{k|u}}nit page, your dwarfs are always listed ''by profession'' in the order below (provided you have any of that type) - {{L|miner}}s first, {{L|peasant}}s last* ''(represented in the "No profession" category below)''.  The colors displayed in this chart are the default Dwarf Fortress {{L|Color_schemes#Default_Scheme|color scheme}}; if you have altered those, your colors will, obviously, be altered as well.
  
:''(* and [[40d:child|child]]ren (not shown) following them in (dark) RED.)''
+
:''(* and {{L|child}}ren (not shown) following them in (dark) RED.)''
  
 
<!--YES, some of these COLORS SUCK. But they're the DEFAULT DF COLORS, taken straight from the default [[color schemes]] in init.txt. Talk to Toady about it. :/  -->
 
<!--YES, some of these COLORS SUCK. But they're the DEFAULT DF COLORS, taken straight from the default [[color schemes]] in init.txt. Talk to Toady about it. :/  -->
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{{Skill Box|Miner|#ccc|#ccc|
 
{{Skill Box|Miner|#ccc|#ccc|
* [[40d:Miner|Miner]]
+
* {{L|Miner}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Woodworker|Woodworker]]|#ff0|#ff0|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Woodworker}}|#ff0|#ff0|
* [[40d:Bowyer|Bowyer]]
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* {{L|Bowyer}}
* [[40d:Carpenter|Carpenter]]
+
* {{L|Carpenter}}
* [[40d:Wood cutter|Wood cutter]]
+
* {{L|Wood cutter}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Stoneworker|Stoneworker]]|#fff|#fff|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Stoneworker}}|#fff|#fff|
* [[40d:Engraver|Engraver]]
+
* {{L|Engraver}}
* [[40d:Mason|Mason]]
+
* {{L|Mason}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Ranger|Ranger]]|#080|#080|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Ranger}}|#080|#080|
* [[40d:Ambusher|Ambusher]]
+
* {{L|Ambusher}}
* [[40d:Animal caretaker|Animal caretaker]]
+
* {{L|Animal caretaker}}
* [[40d:Animal dissector|Animal dissector]]
+
* {{L|Animal dissector}}
* [[40d:Animal trainer|Animal trainer]]
+
* {{L|Animal trainer}}
* [[40d:Trapper|Trapper]]
+
* {{L|Trapper}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Metalsmith|Metalsmith]]|#888|#888|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Metalsmith}}|#888|#888|
* [[40d:Armorsmith|Armorsmith]]
+
* {{L|Armorsmith}}
* [[40d:Furnace operator|Furnace operator]]
+
* {{L|Furnace operator}}
* [[40d:Metal crafter|Metal crafter]]
+
* {{L|Metal crafter}}
* [[40d:Blacksmith|Metalsmith]]
+
* {{L|Blacksmith|Metalsmith}}
* [[40d:Weaponsmith|Weaponsmith]]
+
* {{L|Weaponsmith}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
| valign='top' |
 
| valign='top' |
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Jeweler|Jeweler]]|#0f0|#0f0|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Jeweler}}|#0f0|#0f0|
* [[40d:Gem cutter|Gem cutter]]
+
* {{L|Gem cutter}}
* [[40d:Gem setter|Gem setter]]
+
* {{L|Gem setter}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Craftsdwarf|Craftsdwarf]]|#00f|#00f|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Craftsdwarf}}|#00f|#00f|
* [[40d:Bone carver|Bone carver]]
+
* {{L|Bone carver}}
* [[40d:Clothier|Clothier]]
+
* {{L|Clothier}}
* [[40d:Glassmaker|Glassmaker]]
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* {{L|Glassmaker}}
* [[40d:Leatherworker|Leatherworker]]
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* {{L|Leatherworker}}
* [[40d:Stone crafter|Stone crafter]]
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* {{L|Stone crafter}}
* [[40d:Weaver|Weaver]]
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* {{L|Weaver}}
* [[40d:Wood crafter|Wood crafter]]
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* {{L|Wood crafter}}
* [[40d:Strand extractor|Strand extractor]]
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* {{L|Strand extractor}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Fishery Worker|Fishery Worker]]|rgb(00, 00, 80)|rgb(00, 00, 80)|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Fishery Worker}}|rgb(00, 00, 80)|rgb(00, 00, 80)|
* [[40d:Fish cleaner|Fish cleaner]]
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* {{L|Fish cleaner}}
* [[40d:Fish dissector|Fish dissector]]
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* {{L|Fish dissector}}
* [[40d:Fisherdwarf|Fisherdwarf]]
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* {{L|Fisherdwarf}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Farmer|Farmer]]|#880|#880|
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{{Skill Box|{{L|Farmer}}|#880|#880|
* [[40d:Brewer|Brewer]]
+
* {{L|Brewer}}
* [[40d:Butcher|Butcher]]
+
* {{L|Butcher}}
* [[40d:Cheese maker|Cheese maker]]
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* {{L|Cheese maker}}
* [[40d:Cook|Cook]]
+
* {{L|Cook}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
| valign='top' |
 
| valign='top' |
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Farmer|Farmer]] (cont'd)|#880|#880|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Farmer}} (cont'd)|#880|#880|
* [[40d:Dyer|Dyer]]
+
* {{L|Dyer}}
* [[40d:Grower|Grower]]
+
* {{L|Grower}}
* [[40d:Herbalist|Herbalist]]
+
* {{L|Herbalist}}
* [[40d:Lye maker|Lye maker]]
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* {{L|Lye maker}}
* [[40d:Milker|Milker]]
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* {{L|Milker}}
* [[40d:Miller|Miller]]
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* {{L|Miller}}
* [[40d:Potash maker|Potash maker]]
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* {{L|Potash maker}}
* [[40d:Soaper|Soaper]]
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* {{L|Soaper}}
* [[40d:Tanner|Tanner]]
+
* {{L|Tanner}}
* [[40d:Thresher|Thresher]]
+
* {{L|Thresher}}
* [[40d:Wood burner|Wood burner]]
+
* {{L|Wood burner}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Engineer|Engineer]]|#f00|#f00|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Engineer}}|#f00|#f00|
* [[40d:Mechanic|Mechanic]]
+
* {{L|Mechanic}}
* [[40d:Pump operator|Pump operator]]
+
* {{L|Pump operator}}
* [[40d:Siege engineer|Siege engineer]]
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* {{L|Siege engineer}}
* [[40d:Siege operator|Siege operator]]
+
* {{L|Siege operator}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{Skill Box|[[40d:Administrator|Administrator]]|#808|#808|
+
{{Skill Box|{{L|Administrator}}|#808|#808|
* [[40d:Appraiser|Appraiser]]
+
* {{L|Appraiser}}
* [[40d:Building designer|Building designer]]
+
* {{L|Building designer}}
* [[40d:Organizer|Organizer]]
+
* {{L|Organizer}}
* [[40d:Record keeper|Record keeper]]
+
* {{L|Record keeper}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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''Military skills''
 
''Military skills''
* [[40d:Armor user|Armor user]]
+
* {{L|Armor user}}
* [[40d:Axedwarf|Axedwarf]]
+
* {{L|Axedwarf}}
* [[40d:Hammerdwarf|Hammerdwarf]]
+
* {{L|Hammerdwarf}}
* [[40d:Macedwarf|Macedwarf]]
+
* {{L|Macedwarf}}
* [[40d:Marksdwarf|Marksdwarf]]
+
* {{L|Marksdwarf}}
* [[40d:Shield user|Shield user]]
+
* {{L|Shield user}}
* [[40d:Speardwarf|Speardwarf]]
+
* {{L|Speardwarf}}
* [[40d:Swordsdwarf|Swordsdwarf]]
+
* {{L|Swordsdwarf}}
* [[40d:Wrestler|Wrestler]]
+
* {{L|Wrestler}}
  
 
''Social skills''
 
''Social skills''
* [[40d:Comedian|Comedian]]
+
* {{L|Comedian}}
* [[40d:Consoler|Consoler]]
+
* {{L|Consoler}}
* [[40d:Conversationalist|Conversationalist]]
+
* {{L|Conversationalist}}
* [[40d:Flatterer|Flatterer]]
+
* {{L|Flatterer}}
* [[40d:Pacifier|Pacifier]]
+
* {{L|Pacifier}}
  
 
''Broker skills''
 
''Broker skills''
* [[40d:Intimidator|Intimidator]]
+
* {{L|Intimidator}}
* [[40d:Judge of intent|Judge of intent]]
+
* {{L|Judge of intent}}
* [[40d:Liar|Liar]]
+
* {{L|Liar}}
* [[40d:Negotiator|Negotiator]]
+
* {{L|Negotiator}}
* [[40d:Persuader|Persuader]]
+
* {{L|Persuader}}
  
 
''Other skills''
 
''Other skills''
* [[40d:Swimmer|Swimmer]]
+
* {{L|Swimmer}}
* [[40d:Thrower|Thrower]]
+
* {{L|Thrower}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
|}
 
|}
::''(Note - Exact colors may vary with different tile-sets or [[40d:color schemes|color settings]] in [[40d:init.txt|init.txt]].  The above are correct for standard DF.)''
+
::''(Note - Exact colors may vary with different tile-sets or {{L|color schemes|color settings}} in {{L|init.txt}}.  The above are correct for standard DF.)''
  
  
[[40d:Social skill|Social skill]]s, [[40d:Broker|Broker skills]], swimming and throwing do not affect profession.  Military skills do not affect civilian professions (until they become [[40d:Soldier#Heroes and Champions |Heroes]]).
+
{{L|Social skill}}s, {{L|Broker|Broker skills}}, swimming and throwing do not affect profession.  Military skills do not affect civilian professions (until they become {{L|Soldier#Heroes and Champions |Heroes}}).
  
When a dwarf is activated as a [[40d:soldier|soldier]], their listed profession is generated by their best [[40d:weapon|weapon]] skill. [[40d:Armor user|Armor User]] and [[40d:Shield User|Shield User]] do not affect these military professions.  Note that in the {{k|m}}ilitary menu you can assign a dwarf a different weapon, to fight or train with, than what is listed as their profession.  A soldier with no military skills above dabbling is called a "recruit".
+
When a dwarf is activated as a {{L|soldier}}, their listed profession is generated by their best {{L|weapon}} skill. {{L|Armor user|Armor User}} and {{L|Shield User}} do not affect these military professions.  Note that in the {{k|m}}ilitary menu you can assign a dwarf a different weapon, to fight or train with, than what is listed as their profession.  A soldier with no military skills above dabbling is called a "recruit".
  
 
When increases in a dwarf's skills cause their profession to change, an announcement is generated.  Any dwarf can change professions if they train (enough) with a different skill.
 
When increases in a dwarf's skills cause their profession to change, an announcement is generated.  Any dwarf can change professions if they train (enough) with a different skill.
  
 
=== Custom profession labels ===
 
=== Custom profession labels ===
It is possible to give a dwarf a custom profession name, similar to giving them a [[40d:nickname|nickname]], through the {{k|u}}nits list or by {{k|v}}iewing them individually, or before embark if you are "preparing carefully" by viewing them in that menu.  This custom label has no effect on color, or on the actual profession that the dwarf is associated with in the game.  You can ''label'' them as Dyer or Duke or Dragonslayer, Wood Cutter or Weaponsmith or the Grand Wazoo, but if their skill levels determine that they're a Farmer, then they're a Farmer, until their skills change that.
+
It is possible to give a dwarf a custom profession name, similar to giving them a {{L|nickname}}, through the {{k|u}}nits list or by {{k|v}}iewing them individually, or before embark if you are "preparing carefully" by viewing them in that menu.  This custom label has no effect on color, or on the actual profession that the dwarf is associated with in the game.  You can ''label'' them as Dyer or Duke or Dragonslayer, Wood Cutter or Weaponsmith or the Grand Wazoo, but if their skill levels determine that they're a Farmer, then they're a Farmer, until their skills change that.
  
 
== Skills ==
 
== Skills ==
A skill reflects the amount of [[40d:experience|experience]] a dwarf has.  With (or without) that skill, they can be assigned one or more different labor preferences in their individual labor menu, general activities that you approve them pursuing.  Once they accept a particular assignment, a job is generated and they proceed to apply their skill to that job.
+
A skill reflects the amount of {{L|experience}} a dwarf has.  With (or without) that skill, they can be assigned one or more different labor preferences in their individual labor menu, general activities that you approve them pursuing.  Once they accept a particular assignment, a job is generated and they proceed to apply their skill to that job.
  
A single skill can be applied to many different [[40d:job|job]]s.  For instance, a Bone Carver might carve a totem out of a skull, craft bone practice bolts for a crossbow, create bone armor, or carve bone crafts to trade.  Higher skill levels may increase the speed at which jobs are performed, the quality of the items produced, or both.
+
A single skill can be applied to many different {{L|job}}s.  For instance, a Bone Carver might carve a totem out of a skull, craft bone practice bolts for a crossbow, create bone armor, or carve bone crafts to trade.  Higher skill levels may increase the speed at which jobs are performed, the quality of the items produced, or both.
  
Note that many labor preferences, especially [[40d:hauling|hauling]], have no associated skill, do not generate experience, and do not improve with practice.
+
Note that many labor preferences, especially {{L|hauling}}, have no associated skill, do not generate experience, and do not improve with practice.
  
 
=== Starting a new skill ===
 
=== Starting a new skill ===
  
Dwarven peasants and members of other trades can learn a new skill by having the [[40d:labor|labor]] associated with the skill turned on in their preferences screen. The first task related to their new skill they preform will grant them the "Dabbling" skill level. Dwarves may then advance through the skill levels listed below.
+
Dwarven peasants and members of other trades can learn a new skill by having the {{L|labor}} associated with the skill turned on in their preferences screen. The first task related to their new skill they preform will grant them the "Dabbling" skill level. Dwarves may then advance through the skill levels listed below.
  
 
=== Skill levels ===
 
=== Skill levels ===
Line 204: Line 204:
 
To reach Novice level in any skill requires 500 XP. Reaching each successive level requires an additional 100 XP, so to go from Novice to ''No label'' requires 600 XP; ''No label'' to Competent requires 700 XP, and so on. The following figures are the ''cumulative'' XP needed to go from unskilled to any given skill level.   
 
To reach Novice level in any skill requires 500 XP. Reaching each successive level requires an additional 100 XP, so to go from Novice to ''No label'' requires 600 XP; ''No label'' to Competent requires 700 XP, and so on. The following figures are the ''cumulative'' XP needed to go from unskilled to any given skill level.   
  
Although [[40d:Legendary|Legendary]] is the highest skill level displayed, there are actually five skill levels above it.  These are known to have an effect on [[40d:item quality|item quality]]; a Legendary dwarf will make masterpiece items 15% of the time, on average, where a Legendary+5 dwarf will make masterpieces 27% of the time (and exceptional items the other 73% of the time).  Skill beyond Legendary+5 does not increase the probability of creating a masterpiece item.
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Although {{L|Legendary}} is the highest skill level displayed, there are actually five skill levels above it.  These are known to have an effect on {{L|item quality}}; a Legendary dwarf will make masterpiece items 15% of the time, on average, where a Legendary+5 dwarf will make masterpieces 27% of the time (and exceptional items the other 73% of the time).  Skill beyond Legendary+5 does not increase the probability of creating a masterpiece item.
  
You can't find out exactly when a dwarf gets to Legendary+5, but it will happen 1000 XP before their eighth [[40d:attribute|attribute]] if they have no other skills -- so when they get eight attributes, they are at Legendary+5.  Although skill is capped at Legendary+5, experience is not capped at any level; a dwarf can keep gaining attributes by using a skill that has long since maxed out.
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You can't find out exactly when a dwarf gets to Legendary+5, but it will happen 1000 XP before their eighth {{L|attribute}} if they have no other skills -- so when they get eight attributes, they are at Legendary+5.  Although skill is capped at Legendary+5, experience is not capped at any level; a dwarf can keep gaining attributes by using a skill that has long since maxed out.
  
  
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'''See also:''' [[40d:Labor|Labor]]
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'''See also:''' {{L|Labor}}
  
 
[[Category:Skills|*]]
 
[[Category:Skills|*]]

Revision as of 16:51, 12 April 2010

This article is about an older version of DF.

Template:Human

("Level" redirects here; if looking for information on different z-levels or layers, see Template:L)


Skills and Professions are two different things, and are distinct from Template:L, which are distinct from Template:Ls, but all four are closely related.

The skills a dwarf has in an area determine how well that dwarf accomplishes Template:Ls in that area. A dwarf's Template:Ls can be turned on or off by the player (by viewing that dwarf's preferences for labors, v p l ), and determine what sort of jobs a dwarf is allowed to do. A dwarf may have great skill, but until you designate the appropriate labor and queue up some corresponding Template:Ls, and then the dwarf actually responds and takes and finishes that job, nothing gets done. Skills increase in level with Template:L; every time a dwarf completes a task successfully, the corresponding skill will increase by an amount of experience. Once the experience total reaches the amount required for the next level, the skill level will increase.

Profession tends to describe what a dwarf does best, as defined by their skills, not what Template:Ls they are currently designated to perform. Their profession is usually, but not always based on their best skill. A dwarf with cooking at level 1 and no other skills has the profession of "Template:L", but a dwarf with Template:L 14 and Template:L and Template:L and a dozen other skills all at 12 is also seen as having the profession of "Template:L".

Any dwarf can have any Template:L activated, even if they have absolutely no Template:L or levels in that skill. They are still the same profession. The only difference is the speed they complete the task, and/or the Template:L of the final product. So by turning different Template:Ls on/off, you can have your Template:L Template:L designated with the Template:Ling labor, and your expert Template:L making weapons - probably a bad plan, but nothing stops you from doing that.


When Activated for the Template:L, a dwarf's profession temporarily changes to a military one, but they will return to their civilian profession (if any) when de-Activated. (Note that dwarfs with military skills in excess of Great skill (level 10) will become a Template:L, abandoning any civilian professions and becoming permanently military.)


(If you are a new player and find yourself boggled at the variety of skills for your starting seven dwarfs, see Template:L for a general discussion on and examples of starting skill selection.)

Profession

Professions are determined in one of two ways. For the majority of the population, the highest skill or skills of a Template:L determines their profession. Also, as your fortress grows, some unique professionals will arrive, one-of-a-kind dwarfs who perform a very specific function in the community - even if that function is not always appreciated or welcome. Such Template:L will be labeled with their noble "professions", regardless of any skills. Also, a dwarven "baby" or "child" will carry that label as their "profession" until they are adults. (Template:L titles do not affect professions, but may affect skills used and improved.)

Activating or de-activating a dwarf for the military changes their listed profession from civilian to military. Having some military skills along with civilian skills does not make a dwarf a professional Template:L. If a Wood Cutter has some levels in Axedwarf or a Hunter has some levels in Marksdwarf, they are still a Wood Cutter or Hunter, civilian professions, until they are activated. A dwarf with novice level of Axedwarf and Legendary Brewing will be activated as an axedwarf if that's their highest weapon skill, while a dwarf with high skill level in axedwarf and novice level in brewing will be a Template:L as a civilian if Template:L is their highest civilian skill.

A dwarf's profession also governs the possibility and likelihood, relative to the rest of the population, of entering a Template:L.

Some non-dwarves will show professions that are not available to dwarves, like "Template:L", or non-dwarf Template:Ls with non-dwarf Template:Ls, like a Template:L.

In Adventure Mode, there are professions that are not available or relevant in Fortress Mode, like Template:L or Pikedwarf.

Professions, colors, & skill categories

Different professions are associated with a different Template:L of dwarf. If the profession changes (due to skill levels increasing), the profession may change and the color of the dwarf with that, if appropriate. (See chart below for Template:Ls associated to skills and professions.) A dwarf with the "Template:L" profession is a dwarf that has no skills above dabbling level and/or only has skills as shown in the "No profession" box below plus isn't an active military member.

Some professions relate directly to one specific, (usually) dominant skill - "Bowyer" or "Wood Cutter" or "Wood Crafter", for example. However some professions are a general category for similar skills - "Woodworker", in the instance of the previous 3 examples, would imply similar expertise with 2 or more skills in that one category. The exact math varies as to how and when one particular profession vs another is chosen due to differences in and combinations of skill levels, but usually it's the highest skill(s)*. If two skills in different categories are tied, it's the one listed first for that particular dwarf.

(* Many of the "category" professions seem to be based off of the number of levels above no skill/dabbling and whether the highest skill is "double" the increase of the lesser ones.)


On the unit page, your dwarfs are always listed by profession in the order below (provided you have any of that type) - Template:Ls first, Template:Ls last* (represented in the "No profession" category below). The colors displayed in this chart are the default Dwarf Fortress Template:L; if you have altered those, your colors will, obviously, be altered as well.

(* and Template:Lren (not shown) following them in (dark) RED.)
Miner
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
Template:L (cont'd)
 
Template:L
 
Template:L
 
No profession
 


Military skills

Social skills

Broker skills

Other skills

(Note - Exact colors may vary with different tile-sets or Template:L in Template:L. The above are correct for standard DF.)


Template:Ls, Template:L, swimming and throwing do not affect profession. Military skills do not affect civilian professions (until they become Template:L).

When a dwarf is activated as a Template:L, their listed profession is generated by their best Template:L skill. Template:L and Template:L do not affect these military professions. Note that in the military menu you can assign a dwarf a different weapon, to fight or train with, than what is listed as their profession. A soldier with no military skills above dabbling is called a "recruit".

When increases in a dwarf's skills cause their profession to change, an announcement is generated. Any dwarf can change professions if they train (enough) with a different skill.

Custom profession labels

It is possible to give a dwarf a custom profession name, similar to giving them a Template:L, through the units list or by viewing them individually, or before embark if you are "preparing carefully" by viewing them in that menu. This custom label has no effect on color, or on the actual profession that the dwarf is associated with in the game. You can label them as Dyer or Duke or Dragonslayer, Wood Cutter or Weaponsmith or the Grand Wazoo, but if their skill levels determine that they're a Farmer, then they're a Farmer, until their skills change that.

Skills

A skill reflects the amount of Template:L a dwarf has. With (or without) that skill, they can be assigned one or more different labor preferences in their individual labor menu, general activities that you approve them pursuing. Once they accept a particular assignment, a job is generated and they proceed to apply their skill to that job.

A single skill can be applied to many different Template:Ls. For instance, a Bone Carver might carve a totem out of a skull, craft bone practice bolts for a crossbow, create bone armor, or carve bone crafts to trade. Higher skill levels may increase the speed at which jobs are performed, the quality of the items produced, or both.

Note that many labor preferences, especially Template:L, have no associated skill, do not generate experience, and do not improve with practice.

Starting a new skill

Dwarven peasants and members of other trades can learn a new skill by having the Template:L associated with the skill turned on in their preferences screen. The first task related to their new skill they preform will grant them the "Dabbling" skill level. Dwarves may then advance through the skill levels listed below.

Skill levels

To reach Novice level in any skill requires 500 XP. Reaching each successive level requires an additional 100 XP, so to go from Novice to No label requires 600 XP; No label to Competent requires 700 XP, and so on. The following figures are the cumulative XP needed to go from unskilled to any given skill level.

Although Template:L is the highest skill level displayed, there are actually five skill levels above it. These are known to have an effect on Template:L; a Legendary dwarf will make masterpiece items 15% of the time, on average, where a Legendary+5 dwarf will make masterpieces 27% of the time (and exceptional items the other 73% of the time). Skill beyond Legendary+5 does not increase the probability of creating a masterpiece item.

You can't find out exactly when a dwarf gets to Legendary+5, but it will happen 1000 XP before their eighth Template:L if they have no other skills -- so when they get eight attributes, they are at Legendary+5. Although skill is capped at Legendary+5, experience is not capped at any level; a dwarf can keep gaining attributes by using a skill that has long since maxed out.


Level XP
Dabbling 1
Novice 500
No label 1100
Competent 1800
Skilled 2600
Proficient 3500
Talented 4500
Level XP
Adept 5600
Expert 6800
Professional 8100
Accomplished 9500
Great 11000
Master 12600
High Master 14300
Level XP
Grand Master 16100
Legendary 18000
Legendary+1 20000
Legendary+2 22100
Legendary+3 24300
Legendary+4 26600
Legendary+5 29000


Skills with odd associated labors

Each skill has a corresponding labor which is usually named similarly - Miners do Mining, Carpenters do Carpentry, etc. However, there are some exceptions:

Skill Labor
Ambusher Hunting
Bowyer Crossbow-making
Building Designer Architecture
Engraver Stone Detailing
Skill Labor
Grower Farming (Fields)
Herbalist Plant Gathering
Metalsmith Blacksmithing
Thresher Plant Processing



See also: Template:L