Just getting back to DF again, but last time I played I tried to build a frontier town in a desert. And yes, with actual buildings. That didnt work too well though, as the only wood around were cacti, and they were scarce. It was enough for couple of buildings, like huge saloon, mayors home/office, sheriff's place and couple of workshops.
Then we had another problem: water. Of course, since its a hot desert most of the small water sources eventually dry up and there's no river. In desperation I ordered to dig down and down, until we'll find water. Eventually, underground cavern was discovered, which was rich of minerals, water flowing everywhere and there even was trees! Unfortunately, there was not a single fish in the water, so we had no food source. Fortunately, traders stopped by and with the riches of the deep, we managed to purchase enough food to survive 'till the next traders.
Before we hit the cavern, we found a source of gold, wich pretty much solified the frontier feeling. A bit of gold was used to build a statue, which became the center-point of our humble village. Not much else though, as we needed all the wood for building.
Then, from the edge of the map in the underground, Troglodyte arrived. They scared off miners and woodcutters, but fortunately they were pretty weak. Soon they well all chased down and slaughtered, filling the caves with miasma.
And it was all downhill from there. I eventually got bit greedy and wanted more gems. I saw more spots, but I had to dig a lot to get there. Then, we found a giant spiders nest. It quickly dispatched our miner and it killed the cavalry. One dwarf managed to get a lucky shot, and the rest of the cavalry-for-the-cavalry killed it. Then, we spotted a troll who proceeded to slaughter rest of the military. Feeling cocky, I sented more dwarfs and you can guess the results. My frontier spirit was beaten to a pulp and I gave up.
I'l have to try it again though. Next time I'l bring wood of my own.