I think the key, and the overwhelming train of thought through this whole thread, is that you can't really "make" interesting dwarves to pay attention to. You have to pay attention to everything to some extent, and when someone gets "interesting" then you are able to make a closer connection to that dwarf. But by that same measure, you might have a fort where everyone is completely expendable cogs. Or, you might have a fort with a number of interesting characters, with whom you might build a relationship of sorts. I've had plenty of unmemorable forts. And then you have your occasional legends. Beats me who was in the last two or three forts I've had. But by Armok's beard if I don't remember Reg Liruklor or Atir Stigildegel or Zulban Rulbomrek...
In the end it is about what you do with your fort, too. If you make a big fort full of menial labor and rely on traps for your defense, you're not likely to come up with anyone much worth paying attention to. If you have a bunch of misfit starting seven, with few useful labors, because that's more interesting, then you're very much more likely to pay attention to individual dwarves, especially those starting seven, because if they succeed, despite their uselessness, it's just that much more exceptional.
Try embarking with seven fisherdwarves. Or neglect to give them any skills whatsoever. Pick their skills based on their personality after you embark. Think of your fortress as a story. Imagine who the main characters are. Tell their story to yourself in your head. (I paraphrase) "The beauty of this game is based in the stories that the players themselves create." The dwarves are just there to offer their inspiration. It's up to you to offer the creation.
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Topic: More intimate relationship to my dwarfs (Read 9008 times)