40d:River

Surface Rivers

Rivers are found on the surface of world maps. They vary in width and depth, some being more wide and some being more deep than others. They often flow through deep canyons or just across the flat surface of a level. On levels with cliffs, waterfalls may be found. Brooks are more shallow than rivers and can be crossed by creatures and dwarves without a bridge.

Major rivers, Minor rivers, Streams and Brooks

On the surface of the world you can find four different types of rivers.

• Major Rivers are distinguished by a different symbol than just a "-" instead they are an "=" some worlds have no Major Rivers so they can be considered quite valuable. Usually they have minor river tributaries and can often feed large lakes. The difference (if any) between major and minor rivers has yet to be discovered. However major rivers are beleived to lower the fps/

• Minor Rivers are dark blue and usually have tributaries of brooks.

• Streams are light blue and often converge with other streams, and have some tributaries of brooks.

• Brooks are the smallest flowing body of water that can be found ingame. They are not visible on the region map. Brooks have a special water designation, dwarves and other units are capable of walking through a brook. Brooks are very common, almost every tile around a stream or larger river will have a brook running through it.

Different sorts of rivers in action

Underground Rivers

An underground river is, obviously, a river found underground. They are hard to find in the current version of Dwarf Fortress, particularly because you are not guaranteed to have one in your map.

If you are lucky enough to find a cave river, you can use it as the basis of an underground forest operation.

Other Important Facts

• Rivers presumably contain an unlimited amount of water and cannot be drained.
• Rivers often contain an abundance of fish.
• See water.

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