40d:Restraint

A restraint is a chain or rope which is used to restrain a dwarf or other creature. Unlike the cage, the restraint can only hold one creature, and the creature can move within a range of one tile of the restraint in all directions, including up and down if stairs or slopes are in this area. In a previous version it could move up and down through solid floors; it is unknown whether this is currently the case. Also unlike cages, restrained animals can breed.

Restraints can be used to keep a war dog or other animal near areas where you need constant vigilance and defense. Chained dogs placed near the entrance to your fort will catch kobold thieves that can bypass traps and other passive defenses.

Restraints are also useful for containing domestic animals when you're running a meat industry.

When removing restraints, first un-assign any attached animal, otherwise the restraint itself (chain or rope) will remain as the animal's collar (inventory). If that happens, view its inventory and order to dump it. Make sure you have an accessible Garbage zone and a dwarf with refuse collection enabled. Such a chain or rope cannot be re-built as a restraint until it is dumped and re-claimed. (Altho', the image of wardogs wandering around with useless, expensive metal chains around their necks is rather butch.)

Restraints as decoration
If your fortress is above ground or you otherwise have inadequate natural rock walls to engrave, ropes (or bags) sewn with images can be a way of recording your fortress' history instead of stone detailing. When built as restraints (or, for bags, as containers), dwarves can admire them, so they can function as makeshift tapestries.

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See also:

• Jail

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