yeah, time for some thread necromancy.
combine NPC adventurers into fortress-mode.
Get back at that child-snatcher!
Offer a reward/bounty on a)any city that has bad relations. b)a villain that has malligned you. c)a dangerous creature/monster that is terrorising your dwarves.
Only possible with a Mayor. (or sherrif?)
Depending on the size of bounty offered in relation to strength of target, many or few visiting NPCs (and parties/gangs) may take you up on the offer.
Rate, race and quality of visitors varies according to distance to neighbour cities and owning civs.
Build weapon/armour/misc&food shops so heroes can buy your well-crafted items and make you money.
(selling to private persons always makes more money than selling to traders, the difference is in the quantities involved.)
Legendary items in a shop may attract adventurers who are so successfull they can afford it.
plus good equipment increases chances of their succes... naturally you want them to succeed, you are not just luring them for their equipment.
Build a nice Inn (req. bed/Table/chair+food/drink, see bar&brawl thread) to accomodate them. Can't have those lanky humas laying around in the corridors!
charge them accordingly.
Anyone remember 'Majesty' ?
This game used a concept similar to this. (indirect controll over NPC-citizens)
Possibly should require an economy to be available. ?
Bartering bounties often involve princesses, knowing dwarves, many a dwarf-princess would have to learn to drink with her feet.