Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress

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Writing systems
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6.449 MB
Aug 17, 2024 @ 10:47am
Jan 19 @ 9:42am
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Writing systems

In 1 collection by niemst
Niemsts mods
33 items
Description
Writing Systems

TL;DR
This mod introduces unique writing systems for different races in Dwarf Fortress, adding depth to how knowledge is preserved and shared across cultures.

Last compatible version
1.13 - introduced dependency on Base Resources mod, and updates to that version from 1.00 to 1.12 may cause some reactions behave unexpectedly.


Please see my other mods:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3157869674



Introduction
I see the exiting tools for writing in Dwarf Fortress and I wanted to expand on them. This mod introduces four unique writing systems, each tailored to a specific race. These systems are inspired by real-world writing methods and are designed to enrich the lore and gameplay experience.

"In every civilization, the need to record, to remember, to pass down wisdom has always been paramount, but how we choose to do so, ah, that is where our true nature lies."

Detailed Content
This mod introduces few unique writing systems:

New tools
  • Clay Tablets
    Description: Mountain-lore etched in fired clay, showcasing dwarven craft and ingenuity.
    Inspirations: Mesopotamian clay tablets[en.wikipedia.org].

  • Mudozosto
    Description: Bones with carvings that store knowledge or reveal dark prophecies through heat-induced cracks. Also used for divination.
    Inspirations: Chinese oracle bones[en.wikipedia.org], Slavic bone writing[en.wikipedia.org].

  • Thadayimana
    Description: Living archive bushes, carefully shaped to encode knowledge in their growth.
    Inspirations: Topiary and living sculpture[en.wikipedia.org], Bonsai[en.wikipedia.org].

  • Oth
    Description: Knotted cords used to store wisdom through intricate patterns of color, order, and knots.
    Inspirations: Incan Quipu system[en.wikipedia.org], Chinese knotting[en.wikipedia.org].

  • Wax Tablet
    Description: Human invention, wax tablets are used to write and erase messages. They are made of wooden frame and wax filling.
    Inspirations: Wax Tablet[en.wikipedia.org].

Entities and aviabale additional tools
  • Montain (Dwarves) - Clay Tablets
  • Forest (Elves) - Thadayimana, Oth
  • Evil (Goblins) - Mudozosto, Oth
  • Human - Wax Tablet
  • Kobolds - No writing system
  • Animal People - No writing system


Compatibility
This mod is designed to be compatible with most other mods. Uses SELECT command and avoids CUT and REMOVE.

Please see other writing content tools in:

Limitations
  • Modding system do not allows some material restrictions so the Thadayimana is made from wood and Oth from plant thread (excluding by that yarn).
  • The mod does not change how written content is generated in the game and what it is used for. Also during world generation all of the tools are made from parchment instead of correct materials.

Plans

I made a list of wiki links that I may use to create more writing systems in the future. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Updates
  • 1.00 - Initial version
  • 1.01 ... 1.06 - fixes and improvements
  • 1.07 - Initial release
  • 1.08 - Feedback - Kobolds should not have invented writing system
  • 1.09 - Renamed Othustmukca into Oth, No writing for Animal People
  • 1.11 - Wax Tablet added
  • 1.13 - Using Base Resources mod

Using in Other Mods
Please feel encouraged to use this resource as a dependency in your mod.

If you used this mod and had some interesting story to share please write a comment.
If you are an artist and want to create some graphics to replace the current ones please contact me.

LICENSE: Creative Commons - CC BY 4.0 License
19 Comments
leonardodiasm Feb 17 @ 4:24pm 
Thank you. BTW, would love to know how you make these thumbnails. Really dig the art style...
niemst  [author] Feb 16 @ 9:55pm 
Yes, the vanilla resources have not been removed for anyone.
leonardodiasm Feb 16 @ 1:07pm 
Do the civilizations still use the vanilla systems? For example, do humans still use books and scrolls, both through world generation and in fort mode, alongside the wax tablets? Sorry if this is otherwise obvious, I am really new to DF.
niemst  [author] Jan 25 @ 12:29am 
@Tumadreconvinagre
Thanks :-)
Tumadreconvinagre Jan 21 @ 6:10am 
This is actually really original! Thank you for your creative work!
niemst  [author] Nov 23, 2024 @ 3:16pm 
@kwheeler it just adds do not remove anything. Scroll and codex are still available
kwheeler Nov 23, 2024 @ 5:56am 
niemst, does this mod still allow dwarves to write books in addition to using the clay tablets? Or does it basically replace books with clay tablets?
niemst  [author] Oct 20, 2024 @ 2:55am 
@Assassin36789 - sure :-). You almost need to do nothing. Just produce clay tablets (craftworkshop -> make writings -> make clay tablet) or mudozosto (craftworkshop -> make writings -> cut mudozosto (bone book)) the produced items will be handled by the game same as scrolls. The dwarfs will use them in the library (zones -> meeting area -> library) https://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/Library - it is helpful to place the workshop producing them or stockpile (with tools) in the library.
What more you can 'force' copy existing text into the empty tablet with: 'carve writings to tablet', 'inscribe with metal runes and fire tablet' or similar 'cut writings on mudozosto (bone book)'
Regardless above - some visitors will bring those with them into your fort (please see limitations and the screenshots)
I hope it was the push u needed. Enjoy the game :-)
Assassin36789 Oct 19, 2024 @ 5:18pm 
I love the mod so far but I don't have any idea on how to use clay tablets or the bone carving. Can you please provide me a push in the right direction?
niemst  [author] Oct 7, 2024 @ 5:57pm 
@Darmak thx, it is realy nice to hear that :-)