DF2014 Talk:Embark

Difference between actual and displayed rank

I used the numbers as presented specifically on the embark screen, where rank 5 = unskilled and 10 = proficient, because in context this is likely to be less confusing (these are the actual numbers on the screen). Loci edited this to make it consistent with the numbers as they are used in skills generally, where rank 0 = unskilled and 5 = proficient, as they believe this approach is less confusing (and outside of this particular context it is better; the 5-based count at embark seems arbitrary and pointless).

Since the two usages are inconsistent, perhaps this needs to be explicitly stated for new players. I don't particularly mind whether we use the embark numbering and explain that it's five ranks higher than the usual skill numbering, or vice-versa. But I think it needs to be addressed.– unsigned comment by 77.246.195.21

The number on the embark screen isn't showing rank, it's displaying the cost of an increase--just like everything else in the embark menu displays an embark-point cost. Rank is shown to the left of the skill, in text form (e.g. Novice). That detail can be made clear in the article.--Loci (talk) 15:05, 18 May 2019 (UTC)

Is the presence of sand reported on the embark screen?

There was a recent edit that strongly suggests someone's seen sand reported on their embark screen. Yet, I've just tried to make an embark in a sand desert (using v43.05 vanilla, though I've fiddled with the init files a bit but not the raws), and there was no sand reported. I embarked and can confirm there is actually sand there, and lots of it. (images@imgur) What's going on? Also, what about sand in caverns? If someone's seen surface sand reported, is cavern sand also reported for you? --2128 (talk) 20:15, 1 March 2017 (UTC)

That is a DFHack tool. I've restored the original wording and added a mention of DFHack. —Lethosor (talk) 02:53, 2 March 2017 (UTC)

Start with bronze picks and axes

Regarding the commentary: * Previously, if your home civilization did not have access to copper, you would start with bronze picks and battle axes instead, but there has not been evidence of this occurring since v0.44 of Dwarf Fortress.

I just had exactly this happen in a 47.04 game start.