Symbol

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

Not to be confused with icons. Previously, symbols have been a mostly abstract concept in Dwarf Fortress, defined as part of the language system, and occasionally referred to in descriptions. v50 of the game has introduced some new, and occasionally interrelated features regarding this term.

Fortress Mode

Nobles and administrators

The position symbol selection menu

In this menu n, by clicking on the crown+ icon next to a relevant position, available objects in your fortress can be made into a symbol of a noble or administrative position. If multiple objects are assigned to a position or a citizen is assigned to more than one position with an assigned symbol, they will try and equip them all.

When a new object is assigned as a symbol, unless it is already an artifact or named object, you will have the opportunity to choose a custom name for the object or accept the default name generated by the game.

Objects

Symbols

This tab of the Objects menu O, lists all objects currently assigned as symbols in your fortress:

Squad

The squad symbol selection menu

Not to be confused with objects that are a symbol of office, the squad menu q allows you to edit the graphical icon symbol assigned to any created squads.

Legends Mode

As in fortress mode, during worldgen (and world activities^[Verify] certain items, usually (always?)^[Verify] artifacts can also be made into the symbol of a group's administrative position. Below is an example from legends mode:

Language

In the context of language, symbols are entirely separate to symbol 'objects' in fortress mode.

The game has a list of symbols, defined in Language_SYM.txt. This defines which words are related to that symbol, and can consequently be used by civilizations that have that symbol token defined in their entity object. The game will associate those words with generated descriptions about that civilization, or groups, sites and special items created by that civilization.^[Verify]