Writing systems

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Author: niemst

Last revision: 19 Jan, 2025 at 17:42 UTC

File size: 6.45 MB

On Steam Workshop

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

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Base ResourcesSteam Workshop