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[askovdk]

I need to share this idea or my head will explode. I’ve searched the forum and couldn’t find it mentioned before, so please forgive me and post a link if this has already been debated. (I’m also in doubt if this is the correct forum as this is a reverse mod, i.e. take a clean DF and create a mod to another game with it.)

The core of the idea is an utility that can convert a dwarf fortress to a TES plug-in file, so the fortress can be explored alive in first person.

Such a utility is possible. 5 years ago I made a Delphi program that could generate a random dungeon and export it to a playable plug-in file. It worked  , but I wasn’t a professional software developer then, so it stranded, as I couldn’t handle the data formats for more extended dungeons. My point is that it is easy to write the plug-in generator, - I’ll post links to relevant documents / forums later.

The task seems to contain 3 parts.
1: Open up the DF.
I.e. export a save file to a convenient data structure. This has already been solved with Stonesense, Visual fortress, etc. So we ‘just’ need to get the right people on board this project. 
2: Prepare TES content.
This should probably happen in a .XML structure. If made correctly, then I imagine, that anyone with a TES construction kit could help adding parts. E.g. a Carpenter workshop is defined by a list of TES-objects and their relative positions written in a plain .XML text file.
3: Write the TES utility.
This will require someone with good software framework knowledge to combine the DF data structure with the .XML context. The goal should probably be to have something simple to begin with, but make the functionality as extendable as possible.

[askovdk]

Reserved for links if this idea takes flight.

I have only found the Morrowind file description for now:
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Tes3Mod:File_Format

The Elder Scroll+ forum:
http://forums.bethsoft.com/?

[Flying Carcass]

Heh, had that thought the other day while messing around with UDK after playing some oblivion (of course I'd have no idea how to do something so complex >.> ). Good luck with this project if you or anyone else takes it up! 

[Ampersand]

I do not doubt that an idea like this is possible, but the main problem as I see it is getting the proportions right, as obviously, one square in dwarf fort is just large enough to contain a single weapons rack, and a bronze colossus.

Mainly, the problem is that I see a lot of the rooms looking fairly spartan over all. A lot of mineral wall textures would need to be added too.

[askovdk]

I do not doubt that an idea like this is possible, but the main problem as I see it is getting the proportions right, as obviously, one square in dwarf fort is just large enough to contain a single weapons rack, and a bronze colossus.

Mainly, the problem is that I see a lot of the rooms looking fairly spartan over all. A lot of mineral wall textures would need to be added too.

Thank you and true. However, we could come a long way by just using the standard TES objects and textures. I.e. I don't need to see a difference between a basalt and obsidian wall, as long as it's there.   
 
The emptiness must definitely be avoided, but that is the beauti of the community extended .XML approach, as we could build a library of random 'clutter'. The generator could then add these pieces at random.

So yes, this is by no mean a small project, and there are some direct limitations: no fluid dynamics, dwarves -> Nords, Doors between 'outside' and 'inside', etc...
- but the potential seems so huge. 

[Nakanja]

That'd be a interesting way to see a fortress.  And appropriate, since Elder Scrolls characters are just as good as dwarves at falling into water, hating goblins, dispensing hammer justice for minor infractions, and being on lunch breaks when you need their services.

[expwnent]

This looks really cool.

Link to DFHack thread:
http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php?topic=41916.0

[Flying Carcass]

Just a thought: the standard assets will go a long way, I'm sure, but don't forget there's also a lot of assets created by elder scrolls modders you could use (why reinvent the wheel, right?).
For instance, there's a "modder's resource" page in the following link with elderscrolls assets you may find helpful. http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/categories.php

In fact, quickly perusing through it I spotted a thingie that would go well in a carpenter's workshop.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20641

[NRN_R_Sumo1]

for the crafting end of DF in oblivion.....

I am a member of "Craftybits" and our systems would greatly adapt to such a thing like this.
http://thewormhole.nfshost.com/forum/index.php/board,162.0.html our forums
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=28924 The current public version (ours has tonnes more stuff)

edit: Also for the Oblivion formating, someone you might try talking to is Wrye, the making of both Wryemash and Wryebash.
granted with what those wonderful programs do, he should be able to help with something.