Toady stated in the latest Future of the Fortress reply that:
Quote from: LordBaal
I always wondered if you ever thought of implementing a "research system", where some things became available as certain dates or entities invent/discover/develop them?
I don't think anything will happen with certain dates. I don't have a specific objection to people discovering things, but it requires some kind of starting point, which I haven't really thought about.
We also know that he wants it to stay at 1450ish, though I'd like a clearer definition (no gunpowder or steampunk are definitive, however). Hence, i say we work through what the logical routes of progression are and were, specifically in worlds such as this. Discounting Magic for now, the races here have a distinct advantage, specifically that of having multiple races. What benefits could applying the strength of trolls have? Of Giants? Then we have our immortal races, who might be inclined to a little innovation, alongside impossibly honed skills, the possibility of aerial warfare, giant fauna (why not domesticate it?) a unique metal, and more potential ingredients/components then you can shake a stick at, though admittedly herbs still need to be worked in, as well as countless other things i haven't mentioned here.
If we're going to keep it at 1450ish tech, on this world, what would you have by 1450? More importantly, what would you have if you weren't human? I do suggest we pump a bit of research into what humans were planning though.
Edit: on the basis of discussion on the subject appearing in this thread and the suggestion of suchlike, i have created two threads in general discussion. One is a collection of sourced facts on DF races (sourcing which i expect to appear in further discource on this thread), and the other being on the psychology/nature vs nurture aspect.
Link to collection of information on races thread.
http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=122647.0Link to psychology/nature vs nurture thread.
http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?board=2.0