So quick introduction
I've always had the problem of building fortress too stable and eventually self-destructing out of boredom. I've never really lost a fort to anything that was intentional barring my first few forts. My newest fortress HelmSpell has just reached this point; irrigated farm, statue garden, hospital, barracks, and tombs, the works. The only thing I'm missing is a good metal industry due to the fact that the only access to magma is 16z down. Normally it'd be too big of a pain to get at it and I'd just forget about it, but not today.
Let me explain, I just recently got done with Dragon Age: Origin and fell in love with the Thaig system the dwarves use use. If you aren't aware of what a Thaig is they're basically separate underground Cities/Fortresses connected through vast underground tunnels that act as a sort of highway. Good are sent through the Dwarven Empire using these roads and are they only access to the thaigs themselves. I've decided to replicate that.
The plan is to create multiple thaigs, each providing my underground empire with a resource. HelmSpell will be assigned to producing food for all the thaigs as it's only real noticeable feature is a well designed farm system. Being the only link to the surface it will also be the trading center of my little kingdom. The next thaig (No name yet) will be deep underground located smack-dab on the magma lake I just uncovered. It will be the metalworking center of the glorious underground empire, smelter ore and shipping out metal crafts to any thaig that needs it.
Various other thaigs include
-Livestock Thaig: Produce leathers, meats and any other associated animal product. Pets too!
-Clothing Thaig: Will collect silk from cavern to create clothing along with pigtails sent from HelmSpell. Hopefully I can find a GCS.
-Wood Thaig: Relatively small compared to the others, more like an outpost. Will be responsible for collecting wood and sending out any craft/equipment made of the stuff.
-Military Thaig: Essentially a giant barracks, will be the home of most military dwarves when not patrolling the Deep Roads or standing guard at various other thaigs. Military will do 6 month tours then return for the next six months to train and rest.
-Noble Thaig: Intended capitol where most Noble dwarves who don't do anything will reside. Will be extravagant!
-Runner Thaig: The center of the empire, will be the home to courier dwarves whose sole job is to run goods from Thaig to Thaig.
As you can guess I'm going to make extensive use of both the burrow and military systems. I'm not even sure I've got the willpower to get this working but I'll be damned if I don't try!