Dwarf Fortress Wiki - User contributions [en]

Names and symbols

2026-09-26T07:53:28Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another option is to start a war with the target civilization and wait for its army to show up. The infantry will display the civilization's symbol on their armor and helms. Naturally, this method requires waiting several in-game seasons followed by a full siege to deal with.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[Utility:DFHack|DFHack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there will be no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you will have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and can be completed in a couple of minutes or less.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-26T07:52:38Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another option is to start a war with the target civilization and wait for its army to show up. The infantry will display the civilization's symbol on their armor and helms. Naturally, this method requires waiting several in-game seasons followed by a full siege to deal with.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[Utility:DFHack|DFHack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there will be no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you will have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it will be completed in around a couple of minutes or less.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-26T07:52:16Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another option is to start a war with the target civilization and wait for its army to show up. The infantry will display the civilization's symbol on their armor and helms. Naturally, this method requires waiting several in-game seasons followed by a full siege to deal with.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[Utility:DFHack|DFHack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there will be no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you will have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it will be complete in around a couple of minutes or less.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-26T07:50:04Z

Favozza:

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another option is to start a war with the target civilization and wait for its army to show up. The infantry will display the civilization's symbol on their armor and helms. Naturally, this method requires waiting several in-game seasons followed by a full siege to deal with.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[Utility:DFHack|DFHack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-26T07:49:47Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another option is to start a war with the target civilization and wait for its army to show up. The infantry will display the civilization's symbol on their armor and helms. Naturally, this method requires waiting several in-game seasons followed by a full siege.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[Utility:DFHack|DFHack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-25T20:42:52Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another way is to start a war with the civilization whose symbol the player is interested in, and wait for its army to show up. The soldiers will display the civilization's symbol on their armors/helms. This, of course, can take several in-game seasons of waiting.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[Utility:DFHack|DFHack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-25T20:42:13Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another way is to start a war with the civilization whose symbol the player is interested in, and wait for its army to show up. The soldiers will display the civilization's symbol on their armors/helms. This, of course, can take several in-game seasons of waiting.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through [[DFhack]]. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-25T20:41:44Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another way is to start a war with the civilization whose symbol the player is interested in, and wait for its army to show up. The soldiers will display the civilization's symbol on their armors/helms. This, of course, can take several in-game seasons of waiting.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through DFHack. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-25T20:41:10Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another way is to start a war with the civilization whose symbol the player is interested in, and wait for its army to show up. The soldiers will display the civilization's symbol on their armor. This, of course, can take several in-game seasons of waiting.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through DFHack. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Names and symbols

2026-09-25T20:39:03Z

Favozza: /* Symbols */

{{av}}
{{Quality|Superior}}

Many things generated by the game, such as [[site]]s, [[artifacts]], [[symbol of office|symbols of office]] and [[citizenship|citizens]] of a [[civilization]], are given individual names by the game. Along with also getting generated names, many [[Army|creature groups]] are also given references to individual symbols, in the form of descriptive text.

== Names ==

Unlike pre-defined content, such as most [[creature]] types, [[Stone|inorganic]] [[material]]s, and standard [[item]]s, much of the content generated by the game is also given a generated name of some form. These are generally chosen from a combination of sources. Depending on context, and the possible combinations, many will be unique within each newly generated world. Some examples of this include the individual names of: [[megabeast]]s and [[forgotten beast]]s, [[Names and symbols#Symbols|group symbols]], [[Legendary artifact|artifacts]], and [[Book|written content]].

Probably the most obvious example is [[Name#Dwarven_first_names|dwarf names]]; although each main [[civilization]] has their own set of criteria for generating their [[Citizenship|citizens']] names.

== Symbols ==

One of the features created during [[world generation]], or during [[World_activities|world activity]], that are also given generated names are group symbols. These are assigned to individually created [[Civilizations]], Site Governments, Nomadic Groups, Migrating Groups, and Religions. These groups have symbols consisting of a single object chosen from creatures, items, trees, plants, and shapes. More complex symbols can be generated during embark; in this case, it is possible to include multiple objects interacting with each other within the symbol description. The references can vary from mundane and predetermined objects, such as [[cheese]] and [[cat]]s, to other generated content, such as [[historical figure]]s and [[legendary artifact|artifacts]].

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_03.png|600px|thumb|right|A particularly mundane, [[Names_and_symbols#Custom_symbols|custom group symbol]] description.]]

The usual way to find a civilization's symbol is to create a character in [[Adventure Mode]] and travel around large towns and fortresses, looking for armor pieces on which the symbol is displayed. This can be time-consuming, and the search may ultimately be unsuccessful. Another way is to start a war with the civilization whose symbol the player is interested in, and wait for its army to show up, displaying the civilization's symbol on their armor. This, of course, can take several in-game seasons of waiting.

A more direct and efficient way of finding a civilization's symbol is through DFHack. Here is the algorithm:

First Step
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic and it is 100% successful.

==Fortress mode==

Every [[fortress]] has a name. If you forget what that name is, in [[Dwarf fortress mode|fortress mode]], the name of your fortress is displayed in the top left corner of the game's [[interface]]. When starting a new fortress, or one is being generated, the game will assign that fortress a semi-random name automatically. These fortress names are often compounds of two dwarven [[Language#Vocabulary|words]]. If you choose to, you may craft a more elaborate fortress name than one chosen by the name generator. You can also can create a custom name for your expedition group, as well as a custom symbol. All of these can be referenced in the game, most commonly in the descriptions of images created as [[decoration]]s, in [[engraving]]s, and described in [[Books|other works]] of [[art]].

=== Custom names ===

Custom names have only a cosmetic effect on gameplay, but they allow a lot of variation and complexity. Most (all?){{verify}} opportunities to choose a custom name are offered when [[embark]]ing (and selecting [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]]), in the [[fortress mode]] [[interface]] (when choosing a [[symbol of office]]), or after a citizen in a [[strange mood]] crafts an artifact.
[[Image:Menu_embark_customization-buttons_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|Embark menu custom name/symbol buttons]]

==== Fortress and group ====

When you reach the stage where you are deciding on your founders' [[skill]]s and starting items, select "Fortress Name" or "Group Name", at the bottom of the screen, to choose your fortress or group name. You will be given a semi-random name automatically.

Fortress and group names have this format:

'''[Front][Rear] the [Adj 1] [Adj 2] [hyphen compound]-["the" Noun] of ["of" noun]'''

The front compound forms the first half of your fortress's name. Choose from an [[Language#Vocabulary|extremely long list]] of words. Select clear, to clear a word selection —your fortress can have '''none''' of these words chosen (i.e. be a blank name) and still be accepted. At the top of the screen, you can search for a word (in English).
[[Image:Menu_embark_fortress-name_search_v50.07.png|300px|thumb|right|Searching for "war" for a custom fortress name]]

The rear compound forms the second half of your fortress's name, which is combined with no spaces ("Foobar" instead of "Foo Bar").

[[Language#Adjectives|Adjectives]], at first glance, appear to do nothing, but they give up to two words after your compound word (above), separated by spaces, that are the adjectives to "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word choice (see below).

The hyphen command adds a third word, joined by a hyphen, to your "The" ''X'' or "Of" ''X'' word:

*Foobar the Great
*Foobar of Death

With Adjectives and Hyphen compound:
*Foobar the Great Moral Thraal-Generals
*Foobar the Goblin-Chunks of Exploding

With no front & rear compounds:
*The Great Deadly Foobar
*The Foobar of Foobars
*Of Foobars

Some words may only be available in certain categories (for example, the word "reasoning" is normally only available in the "Of X" category) but there is a method to slot words from other categories into categories where they would not normally be allowed. To do this, select the category where the word is allowed, type the word in the search box so that it (and any words containing it) appears in the search results, then hit the "random" button next to the category you want to apply the word to. This allows for names such as "Reasoningreasoning the Reasoning Reasoning Reasoning-Reasoning of Reasoning". Hitting the "random" button a few times may be necessary if the desired word is also contained within any longer words.

====Artifact and symbol====

Though the chance to select symbol or artifact names occur in different menu screens than for a [[Names_and_symbols#Fortress and group|fortress or group name]], the options and processes involved in doing so, are practically identical when choosing custom artifact or symbol names ([[Names_and_symbols#Symbols|descriptive symbols]] ''or'' [[symbol of office|symbols of office]]).

===Custom symbols===

[[Image:Menu_embark_symbol_v50.07_02.png|100px|thumb|right|Custom group symbol options]]

When [[embark]]ing, if you choose to [[Embark#Prepare Carefully|prepare carefully]], you will be given the option to customize your group symbol. The options for doing this are similar to choosing a custom name, but have the capacity to be even more elaborate and long-winded than even custom names allow; giving you choices for representing nearly all named entities in the game and deciding their relationship(s) to each other.

==== Action and relation list ====
{| class = "wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style="white-space:nowrap; border:1px solid #444466; padding:5px 15px;" | Possible actions or relationships
|-
! scope="col" | action
! scope="col" | relation
|-
|
| X is admiring Y
|-
| X is being flayed
| X is being flayed by Y
|-
| X is being mutilated
| X is being mutilated by Y
|-
| X is being shot
| X is shooting Y
|-
| X is being tortured
| X is torturing Y
|-
| X is burning
| X is burning Y
|-
| X is contemplating
| X is contemplating Y
|-
| X is cooking
| X is cooking Y
|-
| X is cringing
|-
| X is dead
| X is devouring Y
|-
|
| X is embracing Y
|-
| X is engraving
| X is engraving Y
|-
| X is falling
| X is fighting with Y
|-
| X is in a fetal position
|
|-
|
| X is greeting Y
|-
|
| X is hanging from Y
|-
|
| X is hiding Y
|-
|
| X is impaled on Y
|-
| X is laboring
|
|-
| X is laughing
|
|-
| X is making a plaintive gesture
| X is massacring Y
|-
| X is making a submissive gesture
|
|-
| X is melting
|
|-
| X is praying
| X is praying to Y
|-
|
| X is prostrating itself before Y
|-
|
| X is raising Y
|-
|
| X is refusing Y
|-
| X is screaming
| X is speaking with Y
|-
| X is smeared out into a spiral
|
|-
| X is striking a menacing pose
| X is striking down Y
|-
| X is striking a triumphant pose
|
|-
| X is suffering
| X is surrounded by Y
|-
| X is traveling
|
|-
| X is unnaturally contorted
|
|-
| X is weeping
|
|-
| X is withering away
|
|-
| X looks confused
|
|-
| X looks dejected
|
|-
| X looks offended
|
|-
| X looks terrified
|
|-
|}

==Trivia==

*"Symbol" is arguably one of the most ambiguous words referenced by the game, having at least three meanings in reference to the interface and functions, and two for distinct in-universe concepts.

==See also==

*[[Name]]
*[[Symbol]] disambiguation

{{Category|Fortress mode}}
{{Category|Interface}}
{{Category|Language}}
{{Category|Legends mode}}
{{Category|Lore}}
{{Category|Symbol}}
{{Category|World}}
[[ru:Fortress name]]

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-23T16:10:19Z

Favozza: /* Civilization symbols search */

==Page creation note(s) ==

I'm now thinking that this should have been a category under a general "names and symbols" page. I think the broadness of that topic, and relation to so many other wiki pages, scared off. If that gets made, I suppose this can just become a redirect. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 18:58, 9 March 2023 (UTC)
:I've just added a title above this comment, for form's sake. Thought I should comment on that retroactive edit here. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:58, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

 I went ahead and moved the old [[Custom names and symbols]] page to here. It kept coming up as a more intuitive title, from other wiki pages and edits. I have expanded on the article slightly to reflect the new move, and to push the contents closer to [[Quality#Superior|superior quality]]. This does, of course, cause more conceptual overlap between this, and the less expansive in context, [[Name]] page. I am in favor of moving most or all of that content here, and potentially even redirecting from there to this page, as I feel like symbols and names in this context are inextricably intertwined. But I'll leave further consideration of that for another day, or indication from a consensus. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 19:23, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

==Action and relation list==

Is the stuff in this list hard-coded, or available to extend via mod? [[User:Jerimee|Jerimee]] ([[User talk:Jerimee|talk]]) 21:54, 17 March 2023 (UTC)
:AFAIK it is hardcoded. My knowledge on this are of modding is quite cursory, but I've not seen anything on the wiki regarding objects, or tokens, that would change these, so I don't think it is doable with regular raw file edits, at least. --[[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:35, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

== Civilization symbols search ==

Hello! I have always wanted to find the symbol of every civilization in my world. I have spent quite a few hours searching for civilization symbols in Adventure Mode, usually by examining pieces of armor (not always with positive results).

Recently, however, I discovered a much faster and 100% reliable way to identify a civilization's symbol '''in less than a minute''' (try it yourself if you do not believe me!).

The procedure is as follows:

First Step
* Install DFHack.
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>

Second Step to repeat for each civilization
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic.

I thought this might be useful to add to this section because it provides a considerably faster alternative to searching for civilization symbols manually in Adventure Mode, which can sometimes be unsuccessful.

So, can I do my first edit here? --[[User:Favozza|Favozza]] ([[User talk:Favozza|talk]]) 09:49, 20 September 2026 (UTC)

:Feel free to edit away. The more the merrier. If you are unfamiliar with wiki editing, this is probably a prime page to learn on. I made this page years ago and it could do with some TLC. In the unlikely event that you do something wildly unexpected it is very easy to revert edits anyway. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 07:41, 23 September 2026 (UTC)

::Thanks, do not worry, I have edited Wikipedia pages for years --[[User:Favozza|Favozza]] ([[User talk:Favozza|talk]]) 16:09, 23 September 2026 (UTC)

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-20T10:03:34Z

Favozza: /* Civilization symbols search */

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-20T09:57:36Z

Favozza: /* Civilization symbols search */

==Page creation note(s) ==

I'm now thinking that this should have been a category under a general "names and symbols" page. I think the broadness of that topic, and relation to so many other wiki pages, scared off. If that gets made, I suppose this can just become a redirect. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 18:58, 9 March 2023 (UTC)
:I've just added a title above this comment, for form's sake. Thought I should comment on that retroactive edit here. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:58, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

 I went ahead and moved the old [[Custom names and symbols]] page to here. It kept coming up as a more intuitive title, from other wiki pages and edits. I have expanded on the article slightly to reflect the new move, and to push the contents closer to [[Quality#Superior|superior quality]]. This does, of course, cause more conceptual overlap between this, and the less expansive in context, [[Name]] page. I am in favor of moving most or all of that content here, and potentially even redirecting from there to this page, as I feel like symbols and names in this context are inextricably intertwined. But I'll leave further consideration of that for another day, or indication from a consensus. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 19:23, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

==Action and relation list==

Is the stuff in this list hard-coded, or available to extend via mod? [[User:Jerimee|Jerimee]] ([[User talk:Jerimee|talk]]) 21:54, 17 March 2023 (UTC)
:AFAIK it is hardcoded. My knowledge on this are of modding is quite cursory, but I've not seen anything on the wiki regarding objects, or tokens, that would change these, so I don't think it is doable with regular raw file edits, at least. --[[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:35, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

== Civilization symbols search ==

Hello! I have always wanted to find the symbol of every civilization in my world. I have spent quite a few hours searching for civilization symbols in Adventure Mode, usually by examining pieces of armor (not always with positive results).

Recently, however, I discovered a much faster and 100% reliable way to identify a civilization's symbol '''in less than a minute''' (try it yourself if you do not believe me!).

The procedure is as follows:

* Install DFHack.
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait the default two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth the stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic.

I thought this might be useful to add to this section because it provides a considerably faster alternative to searching for civilization symbols manually in Adventure Mode, which can sometimes be unsuccessful.

So, can I do my first edit here? --[[User:Favozza|Favozza]] ([[User talk:Favozza|talk]]) 09:49, 20 September 2026 (UTC)

User:Favozza

2026-09-20T09:54:19Z

Favozza: Created page with "Hello, I am Favozza!"

Hello, I am Favozza!

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-20T09:53:37Z

Favozza:

==Page creation note(s) ==

I'm now thinking that this should have been a category under a general "names and symbols" page. I think the broadness of that topic, and relation to so many other wiki pages, scared off. If that gets made, I suppose this can just become a redirect. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 18:58, 9 March 2023 (UTC)
:I've just added a title above this comment, for form's sake. Thought I should comment on that retroactive edit here. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:58, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

 I went ahead and moved the old [[Custom names and symbols]] page to here. It kept coming up as a more intuitive title, from other wiki pages and edits. I have expanded on the article slightly to reflect the new move, and to push the contents closer to [[Quality#Superior|superior quality]]. This does, of course, cause more conceptual overlap between this, and the less expansive in context, [[Name]] page. I am in favor of moving most or all of that content here, and potentially even redirecting from there to this page, as I feel like symbols and names in this context are inextricably intertwined. But I'll leave further consideration of that for another day, or indication from a consensus. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 19:23, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

==Action and relation list==

Is the stuff in this list hard-coded, or available to extend via mod? [[User:Jerimee|Jerimee]] ([[User talk:Jerimee|talk]]) 21:54, 17 March 2023 (UTC)
:AFAIK it is hardcoded. My knowledge on this are of modding is quite cursory, but I've not seen anything on the wiki regarding objects, or tokens, that would change these, so I don't think it is doable with regular raw file edits, at least. --[[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:35, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

== Civilization symbols search ==

Hello! I have always wanted to find the symbol of every civilization in my world. I have spent quite a few hours searching for civilization symbols in Adventure Mode, usually by examining pieces of armor (not always with positive results).

Recently, however, I discovered a much faster and 100% reliable way to identify a civilization's symbol '''in less than a minute''' (try it yourself if you do not believe me!).

The procedure is as follows:

* Install DFHack.
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth a stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic.

I thought this might be useful to add to this section because it provides a considerably faster alternative to searching for civilization symbols manually in Adventure Mode, which can sometimes be unsuccessful.

So, can I do my first edit here? --[[User:Favozza|Favozza]] ([[User talk:Favozza|talk]]) 09:49, 20 September 2026 (UTC)

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-20T09:08:33Z

Favozza:

==Page creation note(s) ==

I'm now thinking that this should have been a category under a general "names and symbols" page. I think the broadness of that topic, and relation to so many other wiki pages, scared off. If that gets made, I suppose this can just become a redirect. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 18:58, 9 March 2023 (UTC)
:I've just added a title above this comment, for form's sake. Thought I should comment on that retroactive edit here. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:58, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

 I went ahead and moved the old [[Custom names and symbols]] page to here. It kept coming up as a more intuitive title, from other wiki pages and edits. I have expanded on the article slightly to reflect the new move, and to push the contents closer to [[Quality#Superior|superior quality]]. This does, of course, cause more conceptual overlap between this, and the less expansive in context, [[Name]] page. I am in favor of moving most or all of that content here, and potentially even redirecting from there to this page, as I feel like symbols and names in this context are inextricably intertwined. But I'll leave further consideration of that for another day, or indication from a consensus. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 19:23, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

==Action and relation list==

Is the stuff in this list hard-coded, or available to extend via mod? [[User:Jerimee|Jerimee]] ([[User talk:Jerimee|talk]]) 21:54, 17 March 2023 (UTC)
:AFAIK it is hardcoded. My knowledge on this are of modding is quite cursory, but I've not seen anything on the wiki regarding objects, or tokens, that would change these, so I don't think it is doable with regular raw file edits, at least. --[[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:35, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

== Civilization symbols search ==

Hello! I have always wanted to find the symbol of every civilization in my world. I have spent quite a few hours searching for civilization symbols in Adventure Mode, usually by examining pieces of armor (not always with positive results).

Recently, however, I discovered a much faster and 100% reliable way to identify a civilization's symbol '''in less than a minute''' (try it yourself if you do not believe me!).

The procedure is as follows:

* Install DFHack.
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth a stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic.

I thought this might be useful to add to this section because it provides a considerably faster alternative to searching for civilization symbols manually in Adventure Mode, which can sometimes be unsuccessful.

So, can I do my first edit here?

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-20T09:07:38Z

Favozza: /* Civilization symbols search */

==Page creation note(s) ==

I'm now thinking that this should have been a category under a general "names and symbols" page. I think the broadness of that topic, and relation to so many other wiki pages, scared off. If that gets made, I suppose this can just become a redirect. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 18:58, 9 March 2023 (UTC)
:I've just added a title above this comment, for form's sake. Thought I should comment on that retroactive edit here. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:58, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

 I went ahead and moved the old [[Custom names and symbols]] page to here. It kept coming up as a more intuitive title, from other wiki pages and edits. I have expanded on the article slightly to reflect the new move, and to push the contents closer to [[Quality#Superior|superior quality]]. This does, of course, cause more conceptual overlap between this, and the less expansive in context, [[Name]] page. I am in favor of moving most or all of that content here, and potentially even redirecting from there to this page, as I feel like symbols and names in this context are inextricably intertwined. But I'll leave further consideration of that for another day, or indication from a consensus. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 19:23, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

==Action and relation list==

Is the stuff in this list hard-coded, or available to extend via mod? [[User:Jerimee|Jerimee]] ([[User talk:Jerimee|talk]]) 21:54, 17 March 2023 (UTC)
:AFAIK it is hardcoded. My knowledge on this are of modding is quite cursory, but I've not seen anything on the wiki regarding objects, or tokens, that would change these, so I don't think it is doable with regular raw file edits, at least. --[[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:35, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

== Civilization symbols search ==

Hello! I have always wanted to find the symbol of every civilization in my world. I have spent quite a few hours searching for civilization symbols in Adventure Mode, usually by examining pieces of armor (not always with positive results).

Recently, however, I discovered a much faster and 100% reliable way to identify a civilization's symbol '''in less than a minute'''.

The procedure is as follows:

* Install DFHack.
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth a stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic.

I thought this might be useful to add to this section because it provides a considerably faster alternative to searching for civilization symbols manually in Adventure Mode, which can sometimes be unsuccessful.

So, can I do my first edit here?

Talk:Names and symbols

2026-09-20T09:07:00Z

Favozza:

==Page creation note(s) ==

I'm now thinking that this should have been a category under a general "names and symbols" page. I think the broadness of that topic, and relation to so many other wiki pages, scared off. If that gets made, I suppose this can just become a redirect. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 18:58, 9 March 2023 (UTC)
:I've just added a title above this comment, for form's sake. Thought I should comment on that retroactive edit here. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:58, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

 I went ahead and moved the old [[Custom names and symbols]] page to here. It kept coming up as a more intuitive title, from other wiki pages and edits. I have expanded on the article slightly to reflect the new move, and to push the contents closer to [[Quality#Superior|superior quality]]. This does, of course, cause more conceptual overlap between this, and the less expansive in context, [[Name]] page. I am in favor of moving most or all of that content here, and potentially even redirecting from there to this page, as I feel like symbols and names in this context are inextricably intertwined. But I'll leave further consideration of that for another day, or indication from a consensus. [[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 19:23, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

==Action and relation list==

Is the stuff in this list hard-coded, or available to extend via mod? [[User:Jerimee|Jerimee]] ([[User talk:Jerimee|talk]]) 21:54, 17 March 2023 (UTC)
:AFAIK it is hardcoded. My knowledge on this are of modding is quite cursory, but I've not seen anything on the wiki regarding objects, or tokens, that would change these, so I don't think it is doable with regular raw file edits, at least. --[[User:Alpacalypse|Alpacalypse]] ([[User talk:Alpacalypse|talk]]) 14:35, 19 March 2023 (UTC)

== Civilization symbols search ==

Hello! I have always wanted to find the symbol of every civilization in my world. I have spent quite a few hours searching for civilization symbols in Adventure Mode, usually by examining pieces of armor (not always with positive results).

Recently, however, I discovered a much faster and 100% reliable way to identify a civilization's symbol '''in less than a minute'''.

The procedure is as follows:

* Install DFHack.
* Set the timeskip duration to one tick, so there is no need to wait two weeks: <code>set-timeskip-duration --ticks 1</code>
* Load the world.
* Run <code>embark-anyone</code>.
* Select the civilization whose symbol you want to identify.
* Embark somewhere with mountains, so you have immediate access to a stone wall.
* Smooth a stone wall.
* Pause the game.
* Engrave the smoothed stone wall.
* Click on the wall to open the engraving interface.
* Select '''Specify image -> Existing image -> Civilization symbol'''.
* The civilization's symbol will be displayed there.
* Quit without saving and repeat for the next civilization.

At first glance, this may seem rather laborious, and in some ways it is. However, with a little practice, the process becomes almost automatic.

I thought this might be useful to add to this section because it provides a considerably faster alternative to searching for civilization symbols manually in Adventure Mode, which can sometimes be unsuccessful.