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[rafaelkb]

Hello fellow Dwarf Fortress enthusiasts and Tarn Adams,

I would like to propose a new gameplay mechanic to enhance the storytelling and emotional depth of Dwarf Fortress: a Dwarf Revenge System.

Concept:
In this system, when an intelligent creature is killed (whether by another intelligent creature or a beast), there is a small chance that one of the deceased’s family members will seek revenge. This decision to pursue vengeance would be influenced by the dwarf’s personality traits, values, and relationship with the fallen family member.

How it Could Work:

Trigger Event: The death of an intelligent creature (dwarves, humans, elves, etc.) initiates a chance for revenge from a close family member (spouse, sibling, child, etc.). This chance could be reduced if justice is served through the in-game justice system.

Personality Influence: The dwarf's personality will play a key role in determining whether they pursue revenge or let go of their grief. Traits like tranquility, self-control, family, loyalty, and peace could influence their reaction:

If the dwarf is highly vengeful or emotional, there is a higher chance they will actively seek revenge.
If they have more peaceful or patient traits, they may simply mourn and let go of their desire for vengeance, as many dwarves do already.
Methods of Revenge:

Direct Revenge: The dwarf might take immediate action and attempt to kill the responsible creature (if they have the capacity to do so).
Indirect Revenge: The dwarf could employ more subtle or indirect means, like manipulating events to harm the killer or convincing another dwarf to carry out the act.

Dynamic Stories:
The revenge system would create unique stories for players to experience. Imagine a dwarf harboring a secret grudge for years, quietly plotting their revenge, or a family becoming infamous for always seeking justice for their loved ones.

Why Add This?

Emotional Depth: The game’s social system and relationships would become even more meaningful, making family bonds and the death of dwarves more impactful on the community.
Storytelling: This would add another layer of emergent narrative, allowing players to witness or influence powerful personal stories within their fortress.

[A_Curious_Cat]

How about something where, rather than directly targeting the perpetrator, they instead target one of the perpetrator’s family members? 

This could progress to the point that the two families gain a generic grudge against each other (possibly even forgetting the original reasons) and simply try and kill each other’s members (even ones that haven’t actually done anything).

[rafaelkb]

Yes i think that it would be similar to the Targeryan bloodline versus the Blackfire on the song of ice and fire.

[amade]

So, loyalty cascades 2.0?

Not saying I'm against it, just pointing out the potential !!FUN!! to be had. After a while there won't be just two feuding families.

[Urist Mchateselves]

You've heard of tantrum spiral, now get ready for revenge spiral

[Egan_BW]

Historically, this sort of forever spiral of revenge is exactly what codes of law and courts are there to solve, so most dwarves who would otherwise seek revenge should be satisfied if the perpetrator gets what they consider a fair sentence. A few particularly vengeful dwarves might demand a bigger pound of flesh though.