Editing 40d:Embark

'''Embark''' is the moment at the very beginning of the game, before actual game play begins (but after [[World generation|generating a world]]), when you and your initial 7 dwarves:
# Choose a site, possibly using the [[site finder|site {{k|f}}inder]].
# Assign starting [[skill]]s to each dwarf.
# Select an initial load of [[supplies|supplies and equipment]].
# Arrive at the site with your wagon full of supplies.

"Embark options" can refer to any of the first three steps.

"Information at embark" can include:
* Viewing your [[region]] on the World and Regional maps.
* Viewing your Local map to:
** Confirm the presence of important features, such as [[magma]] vents or [[rivers]].
** Note these features' locations.
* Using the {{k|tab}} and {{k|F1}}, {{k|F2}}, {{k|F3}}, etc. keys to view your:
** Stone [[layer]]s
** [[Biome]]s and climate
** Starting dwarven civilization (and choose if more than one) 
** Neighboring civilizations and relationships with them

''(Need a quick list of Embark screen features, with links to full pages)''

Example usages:
* "I made a big mistake '''at embark''' when I forgot..."
* "I knew I was in trouble when I got attacked '''on embark'''..."
* "This is one of the choices you need(ed) to make '''at embark''', before the game..."
* "'''After embark''' the first thing you want to do is..."
* "Once you've '''embarked''', that's when the [[fun]] starts..."


== Before you unpause ==
Before you start the game by unpausing, check the following things to make sure your young fortress runs smoothly and avoids becoming a tiny, tiny tomb. Particularly important in less hospitable [[biome]]s and other dangerous sites. 

* Figure out where you're gonna dig your fortress. Look around, get a feel for what is visible, and what the terrain can do for (or to) you. Think about it while you do the rest and come back to it as you need to.
* Press {{k|c}} to check for the presence of other civilizations.
* Press {{k|u}} to check for the presence of hostile wild [[animal]]s. (However, be aware that creatures can appear from off-map after the game has been going for a while.) 
** Activate military if desired.
** In that same screen ({{k|u}}nits), {{k|c}}enter on a specific units and set their preferences, especially [[labor]] designations.  (You can also {{k|v}}iew them from the map screen.)  
*** Make sure at least one dwarf has the [[carpenter]] labor designated to break down the [[wagon]].
***Add any other unskilled labors you want active.
***If the environment is particularly dangerous, you may consider disabling the Hunting and/or Fishing labors at first to keep your dwarves from wandering too far afield.
** You can also give them custom titles or nicknames if you like.
* Press {{k|q}} and mark the [[wagon]] for removal.
* Press {{k|o}} for orders and options.  Toggle to suit your preferences.
** Consider {{k|r}}efuse orders
** Consider fishing/drinking {{k|z}}one options.
* Press {{k|i}} and designate a [[meeting area]] for animals and idle dwarves (or the wagon's location will be the default).
* Press {{k|n}} and reassign [[noble]] positions ''if desired''.
* Press {{k|z}} and forbid the kitchen from cooking alcohol and plump helmets if desired.
* Press {{k|d}} to designate areas for plant gathering, wood cutting, and/or stone smoothing if needed/desired.  (Stone smoothing is good for getting rid of boulders that impede outdoor farming.)
** Press {{k|d}}, then {{k|o}} to place traffic restrictions.  Things to watch for: saplings, wild plants, dangerous shortcuts (like near magma or cave creatures).  Consider encouraging your dwarves to traffic specific areas to minimize damage to subsequent growth.
* Press {{k|p}} to create [[stockpile]]s for wild plants, [[wood]], and/or [[refuse]].
* {{k|b}}uild any {{k|w}}orkshops you feel that you need immediately.
* {{k|d}}esignate where your miner(s) will dig in first.

== See also ==
* [[World Generation]]
* [[Location]]
* [[Starting build]]
* [[What should I build first]]
* [[Defense guide]]

[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Interface]]