Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress

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Writing systems
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6.449 MB
17 Aug, 2024 @ 10:47am
19 Jan @ 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://steamhost.cn/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
25 Comments
Azimuth 19 Jul @ 10:43am 
Nevermind, I figured it out
Azimuth 19 Jul @ 9:03am 
Or just change what races make what writing systems? Like allow dwarves to make bone writings for example
Azimuth 19 Jul @ 7:48am 
Is there any way I can modify the mods files to allow custom races to make clay tablets and other writing systems?
niemst  [author] 19 Jul @ 1:57am 
@Azimuth this mod does not add any writing systems to kobolds. And do not impact any other mods created civilizations/races.
Azimuth 18 Jul @ 1:55pm 
I'm using a kobold race mod and playing as them. Is that why maybe i'm not getting the option to make clay tablets at the craftsdwarf shop?
Azimuth 18 Jul @ 5:10am 
Does this mod work in the latest update?
leonardodiasm 17 Feb @ 4:24pm 
Thank you. BTW, would love to know how you make these thumbnails. Really dig the art style...
niemst  [author] 16 Feb @ 9:55pm 
Yes, the vanilla resources have not been removed for anyone.
leonardodiasm 16 Feb @ 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] 25 Jan @ 12:29am 
@Tumadreconvinagre
Thanks :-)