Dwarf Fortress Wiki - User contributions [en]

40d Talk:Elf

2007-11-04T05:32:59Z

UltimaGecko:

I have successfuly traded them Silk items in 0.27.169.32a--[[User:Draco18s|Draco18s]] 00:01, 4 November 2007 (EDT)

I have to wonder why elves wouldn't accept anything made out of wood, when all they want to trade me is animals in wooden cages, and alcohol in wooden barrels and bows and bolts made out of wood...you know what, almost everything they wanted to trade me was made from wood... --[[User:UltimaGecko|UltimaGecko]] 01:32, 4 November 2007 (EDT)

40d Talk:Magma

2007-11-03T20:50:10Z

UltimaGecko:

Are you certain that steel is a requirement for metals in contact with magma? This info conflicts with the [[Magma smelter]] article, which state that using [[Fire-safe materials]] is enough. Don't have a fort with magma yet, but could someone check which one is correct?[[User:Thexor|Thexor]] 19:23, 31 October 2007 (EDT)
:If i disable temperature can my dwarfs swim through the magma unharmed? Will it still cause water to steam? [[User:Diabl0658|Diabl0658]] 22:28, 31 October 2007 (EDT)

Does the type of rock around the mountainous areas hint at magma? If you check out [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_rocks#Naming this article] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igneous_rock#Mineralogical_classification this site] list a bunch of common volcanic rocks: Granite, Rhyolite, Diorite, Andesite, Gabbro, Basalt, Peridotite and Komatite. Perhaps some clues as to where to find magma?
:It may be possible to find magma vents by searching for extrusive igneous rocks (such as basalt, felsite, rhyolite and andesite), but continental shelves and deep earth are just naturally made of intrusive igneous rock (such as granite, diorite and gabbro). It's generally indicative of rock that has been pushed up to the surface (or erosion has withered the rock down), and not a volcano.

On a completely different topic: I keep setting up on magma vents but not actually having a magma chamber visible. I assumed one problem was the lack of a border on my plot (so somehow the volcano was actually outside my plot), but even after making it bigger there was still no magma (...but it did have a fancy cave)...This has happened the last 4 times I've tried to start on a volcano, and the world regenerating takes quite a while for ~10 named volcanoes, and then all of the livable ones don't actually have magma.--[[User:UltimaGecko|UltimaGecko]] 16:50, 3 November 2007 (EDT)

40d:Ocean

2007-11-02T09:24:29Z

UltimaGecko:

An '''ocean''' is an immense volume of saltwater.

== Oceans in Dwarf Fortress ==
Oceans are inhospitable areas for dwarves, and it is impossible to found a fort solely in an oceanic [[biome]]. There are generally a couple oceans on every generated map, they come in three varieties, based on temperature, which have little effect on their workings: Arctic, Temperate and Tropical.

They tend to have a heavy effect on the surrounding geography of the generated world. [[Volcano]]es can often be found around the perimeter of the ocean, and this tends to be easiest place to find them. [[Marsh]]es and [[swamp]]s also tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially near rivers. The land surrounding oceans also tends to have a high water table, resulting in [[aquifer]]s close to the surface.

== Living by an Ocean ==
Despite the multitude of warnings that the fortress selection screen displays, ocean squares can be quite habitable - provided they are chosen well.

[[Image:Ocean-unique-features.GIF|thumb|400px|right| An oceanic shoreline. A wave crashes into the beach causing mist; on the right an exposed vein of Native Platinum is visible through the erosion during world generation. Stacks of driftwood also cover the beaches.]]

Oceans have a multitude of benefits: they're generally sparsely populated, they usually have an abundance of arable soil, and the nearby aquifer will provide an accessible source of water. Oceans also provide a few unique geographic features, including stacks of driftwood and ocean waves - which crash against the beach to produce mist. The erosion caused by waves also tends to leave numerous exposed mineral veins and [[gem]] deposits at sealevel, if you're lucky. There also tend to be a lot of sea creatures and fish, although their fishability lies in doubt (also, oceans of haunted-type surroundings may be prone to more vicious creatures that aren't confined to the briney deep).

Despite that, oceanic shorlines can be difficult starting areas. It is important to check for some variation in topography when choosing an ocean location, as the ground is almost always water-laden one tile down from sea-level. Even if slightly hilly terrain is found, there is no guarantee that stone will still be accessible. Forests tend to make good biome additions, as they tend to have more varied terrain than marshes and swamps. When also picking a forest it is important that the treeline extends at least two tiles away from the shoreline on the Local Map, otherwise you may potentially only have stacks of driftwood and no actual trees and shrubs.

File:Ocean-unique-features.GIF

2007-11-02T09:02:28Z

UltimaGecko: A screenshot showcasing oceanic waves and their mist as well as driftwood and oceanic erosion.

A screenshot showcasing oceanic waves and their mist as well as driftwood and oceanic erosion.

Volcanoes

2007-11-02T09:01:34Z

UltimaGecko: Redirecting to Volcano

#redirect [[volcano]]

Oceans

2007-11-02T07:49:46Z

UltimaGecko: Redirecting to Ocean

#Redirect [[ocean]]

Mountains

2007-11-01T21:46:27Z

UltimaGecko: Redirecting to Mountain

#redirect [[mountain]]

Caves

2007-11-01T21:42:48Z

UltimaGecko: moved to singular version

#redirect [[cave]]

40d:Cave

2007-11-01T21:42:07Z

UltimaGecko: mostly copied from caves, which will be redirected here

A cave is a natural formation that occurs in mountainous or rocky areas. Some caves may contain hostile creatures or water, and vary in size from a few tiles to long, winding passageways.

Caves tend to be somewhat rare when placing a fortress, and the easiest places to find them seem to be named locales such as mountains and volcanoes.

It is believed that the Dwarves' ancestors once lived in caves thousands of years ago, but most modern Dwarves scoff at the idea that their distant relatives could have lived in such base conditions.

40d:Volcano

2007-11-01T21:34:47Z

UltimaGecko: updated, more descriptions and an image to help located vol.s

A volcano is a vent in the planet's crust through which lava and pyroclastic materials are expelled. They're usually created through plate tectonics in subduction zones, but form anywhere magma is capable of breaking through to the surface.

== Locating Volcanoes ==
[[Image:Volcanoes-located.gif|thumb|400px|right|In order to begin on the volcano the starting plot must cover the ≈. Also note the volcano's name displayed under the biome information - this will be shown even if your plot isn't over the caldera. Click on this image to see the larger version.]]

Volcanoes are named [[mountain]]s that additionally provide a source of [[magma]].

Volcanoes tend to occur around the rim of [[ocean]]s. Sometimes, probably in a nod to shield volcanoes which form from heavy molten rocks, voclanoes also form in the middle of oceans. In other locations their placement appears to be random at the moment; they are not always associated with [[mountain]]s or other rocky terrain. They do not appear on the World Map window, and must be found through the Region Map.

To start on a map that includes a volcano, you will have to search for one. On the fortress location selection screen, they are not visible on the world map. Scroll around the world looking for a red ^ in the regional map. Select that space, and in the local map, move your starting area to include the square with a dark red ≈, which is the caldera. There may also be additional local magma vents in nearby tiles around the volcano.

Very rarely you'll see a [[magma vent]] in an area with no volcanoes nearby.

== Volcano Specifics ==

Volcanoes provide ready access to [[obsidian]], which a [[craftsdwarf]] can form into a rock short sword. It can also be used to make more valuable rock crafts and furniture. It's possible to divert water into magma to form your own obsidian, although it's often present in great quantities.

The volcanic activity also leads to an abundance of heavy extrusive igneous rock (such as basalt, felsite and andesite) under a layer of farmable materials. The nature of these rock layers also provides for many useful ores such as [[iron]] (through hematite or other means), [[gold]], [[galena]], and other non-precious metals. The rock also provides useful gems such as [[turquoise]]s and [[zircon]]s, and occasionally [[diamond]]s. Genuine volcanoes sometimes have other interesting features, similar to named mountains: they are frequently sites for [[cave]]s, often have a wider than usual variety of [[stone]] and [[ore]], and may include unusual features such as [[cave river]]s, [[chasm]]s or [[pit]]s.

Occasionally your group may end up embarking over lava, and it may be time to reembark. Other times a message about the cavern collapsing may occur, and this may be due to a pool of water which was spawned above the volcano's crater, instantly crystalizing the magma and then falling into the crater.

File:Volcanoes-located.gif

2007-11-01T21:07:12Z

UltimaGecko: A picture of the "Choose Fortress Location" screen, showing what volcanoes look like, along with how to put your plot on the caldera to ensure access to lava.

A picture of the "Choose Fortress Location" screen, showing what volcanoes look like, along with how to put your plot on the caldera to ensure access to lava.

40d:Biome

2007-11-01T20:22:17Z

UltimaGecko:

A biome is a biotic area with homogeneous features, characterized by distinctive plant and animal species and climate.

== Biomes in Dwarf Fortress ==

Biomes in Dwarf Fortress are relevant when you are choosing a fortress location. The individual biomes which form at least one tile of your plot can be cycled with the F-keys, one for each biome in your plot. Your selected biome will be highlighted with Xs on the Local Map, and the biome's information will be displayed on the right side of the screen.

== How to Utilize Biomes ==

Biomes present an easy way for you to provide a variety of resources to your fort. As your starting plot stretches over varied biomes you will have access to the unique resources they each may provide. Generally it is advantageous to plot your embarkation at the convergence of 3 seperate biomes (4 or more if possible - which is made easier if you enlarge your starting plot).

By making use of the 3 seperate biomes you provide more resources for your fort, especially if they are unique biomes. For instance: making sure one of your plots cover a broadleaf or conifer forest will provide you with an ample supply of trees, even if the rest of your plot extends into badlands and desert.

Surroundings are not directly linked to biomes (i.e. Glaciers can be Haunted, Wilderness or Serene).

If your plot is completely encompassed by an Ocean, Lake or Mountain biome you will not be able to embark.

== Available Biomes ==

'''Biomes'''

*Arctic [[Ocean]]
*[[Badlands]]
*[[Glacier]]
*[[Mountain]]
*[[Rocky Wasteland]]
*[[Sand Desert]]
*[[Temperate Broadleaf]] [[Forest]]
*[[Temperate Conifer]] Forest
*Temperate [[Grassland]]
*Temperate Freshwater [[Lake]]
*Temperate Freshwater [[Marsh]]
*Temperate Freshwater [[Swamp]]
*Temperate Ocean
*Temperate Saltwater Marsh
*Temperate [[Savanna]]
*Temperate [[Shrubland]]
*Tropical Coniferous Forest
*Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forest
*Tropical Freshwater Marsh
*Tropical Grassland
*Tropical Ocean
*Tropical Savanna
*Tropical Shrubland
*[[Tundra]]

== See Also ==
*[[Regions]] for the possible values for Trees, Vegetation and Surroundings.
*[[Volcano]]es which are not a biome in Dwarf Fortress, but may provide important resources

40d:Ocean

2007-11-01T05:22:01Z

UltimaGecko: basic ocean information

An ocean is an immense volume of saltwater.

== Oceans in Dwarf Fortress ==
Oceans are inhospitable areas for dwarves, and it is impossible to found a fort solely in an oceanic [[biome]]. There are generally a couple oceans on every generated map, they come in three varieties, based on temperature, which have little effect on their workings: Arctic, Temperate and Tropical.

They tend to have a heavy effect on the surrounding geography of the generated world. [[Volcano]]es can often be found around the perimeter of the ocean, and this tends to be easiest place to find them. [[Marsh]]es and [[swamp]]s also tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially near rivers. The land surrounding oceans also tends to have a high water table, resulting in [[aquifer]]s close to the surface.

40d:Marsh

2007-11-01T05:12:56Z

UltimaGecko:

A marsh is a type of wetland that is periodically or continuously inundated. A marsh is generally treeless, with a variety of grasses and shrubs. Compare with a [[swamp]].

== Marshes in Dwarf Fortress ==
Swamps and marshes tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially where rivers meet the ocean.

Much like their real-life counterpart, marshes generally have a high water table, meaning that an accessible [[aquifer]] is only a few tiles below the surface (and in occasionally unlucky circumstances, directly beneath the surface). It can be incredibly difficult to nigh-impossible to extract stones from marshy areas, making the long-term feasibility of a fort doubtful; it is recommend that an additional, non-saturaded biome be used selected as well.

Generally the landscape is very flat, with only occasional, small gradients. Ponds are abundant. The stratification is often hard to ascertain, as it is difficult to penetrate the aquifer. Generally there are a few layers of clay and loam followed, eventually, by stone and rock beneath.

Saltwater marshes make habitability more precarious, as the aquifer and surrounding ponds may not be drinkable.

Unlike their real-world counterparts, marshes in Dwarf Fortress generally have an abundance of trees, negating the difference between marshes and swamps.

40d:Swamp

2007-11-01T05:12:17Z

UltimaGecko: More swampy information

A swamp is a wetland area, flooded permanently or only periodically. Generally they have an abundance of foliage, including heavy, specialized tree-growth and a vase ecosystem. Compare with [[marsh]]es.

== Swamps in Dwarf Fortress ==
Swamps and marshes tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially where rivers meet the [[ocean]].

Swamps suffer much of the same problems as marshes. Generally the water table is too high, resulting in an [[aquifer]] at or near ground level. Carving out a fort becomes difficult and most rock will need to be imported in the form of blocks at embarkation or from the periodic traders that visit. Surface water is arguably slightly more common than in marsh [[biome]]s.

Saltwater marshes tend to lack drinkable water; it will be more difficult to survive.

== Foliage Specifics ==
All swamps and marshes, whether fresh or salt water, contain willow, with the exception of mangrove swamps, which strangely... contain mangrove trees.

40d:Marsh

2007-11-01T05:05:02Z

UltimaGecko: basic marsh info

A marsh is a type of wetland that is periodically or continuously inundated. A marsh is generally treeless, with a variety of grasses and shrubs. Compare with a [[swamp]].

== Marshes in Dwarf Fortress ==
Much like their real-life counterpart, marshes generally have a high water table, meaning that an accessible [[aquifer]] is only a few tiles below the surface (and in occasionally unlucky circumstances, directly beneath the surface). It can be incredibly difficult to nigh-impossible to extract stones from marshy areas, making the long-term feasibility of a fort doubtful; it is recommend that an additional, non-saturaded biome be used selected as well.

Generally the landscape is very flat, with only occasional, small gradients. Ponds are abundant. The stratification is often hard to ascertain, as it is difficult to penetrate the aquifer. Generally there are a few layers of clay and loam followed, eventually, by stone and rock beneath.

Saltwater marshes make habitability more precarious, as the aquifer and surrounding ponds may not be drinkable.

Unlike their real-world counterparts, marshes in Dwarf Fortress generally have an abundance of trees, negating the difference between marshes and swamps.

40d:Mountain

2007-11-01T04:38:29Z

UltimaGecko: set up the basics of a mountainous terrain description and biome specifics.

A mountain is a naturally high elevation usually culminating in a peak. They are usually formed by the collision of tectonic plates or through volcanic activity.

== Mountains in Dwarf Fortress ==

As part of a starting site mountains provide jagged terrain and (pre Dwarf engineering) impassable cliffs. They usually have very limited [[water]] resources (few ponds or streams - although many streams originate from the base of mountain ranges). They often have sparse vegetation.

The stratification listed for mountains in Dwarf Fortress usually consists of one lighter rock type, generally a sedimentary stone (such as limestone, mudstone or dolomite), and then two further layers of heavy intrusive igneous (such as Granite, Rhyolite, or Gabbro) or metamorphic rock (such as Gneiss, Quartzite, or Phyllite). Stone, and subsequently ores, are always in abundance in mountain [[biome]]s.

It is not possible to start a fortress only on mountain biomes.

40d:Biome

2007-11-01T04:06:30Z

UltimaGecko: fixed up the definition a little

Biomes

2007-11-01T04:04:07Z

UltimaGecko: Redirecting to Biome

#redirect [[biome]]

40d:Biome

2007-11-01T04:02:20Z

UltimaGecko: creation of a basic biome page

Biomes are a biotic area with homogeneous characteristics, defined by distinctive plant and animal species and climate.

== Biomes in Dwarf Fortress ==

Biomes in Dwarf Fortress are relevant when you are choosing a fortress location. The individual biomes which form at least one tile of your plot can be cycled with the F-keys, one for each biome in your plot. Your selected biome will be highlighted with Xs on the Local Map, and the biome's information will be displayed on the right side of the screen.

== How to Utilize Biomes ==

Biomes present an easy way for you to provide a variety of resources to your fort. As your starting plot stretches over varied biomes you will have access to the unique resources they each may provide. Generally it is advantageous to plot your embarkation at the convergence of 3 seperate biomes (4 or more if possible - which is made easier if you enlarge your starting plot).

By making use of the 3 seperate biomes you provide more resources for your fort, especially if they are unique biomes. For instance: making sure one of your plots cover a broadleaf or conifer forest will provide you with an ample supply of trees, even if the rest of your plot extends into badlands and desert.

Surroundings are not directly linked to biomes (i.e. Glaciers can be Haunted, Wilderness or Serene).

If your plot is completely encompassed by an Ocean, Lake or Mountain biome you will not be able to embark.

== Available Biomes ==

'''Biomes'''

*Arctic [[Ocean]]
*[[Badlands]]
*[[Glacier]]
*[[Mountain]]
*[[Rocky Wasteland]]
*[[Sand Desert]]
*[[Temperate Broadleaf]] [[Forest]]
*[[Temperate Conifer]] Forest
*Temperate [[Grassland]]
*Temperate Freshwater [[Lake]]
*Temperate Freshwater [[Marsh]]
*Temperate Freshwater [[Swamp]]
*Temperate Ocean
*Temperate Saltwater Marsh
*Temperate [[Savanna]]
*Temperate [[Shrubland]]
*Tropical Coniferous Forest
*Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forest
*Tropical Freshwater Marsh
*Tropical Grassland
*Tropical Ocean
*Tropical Savanna
*Tropical Shrubland
*[[Tundra]]

== See Also ==
*[[Regions]] for the possible values for Trees, Vegetation and Surroundings.