# LANGUAGE ARC: The in-game languages need a better framework, as many simple name formulations are impossible in the current system, and it wouldn't hurt to add a basic grammar and phonetics at this time as well. In addition, paper, engraved writing, books, poems, songs, etc. could all be explored in the different game modes in various ways. Related to Core97, Core98, Core99 and Core100.
(Just about the entire language arc is also up on
dev next! Scroll to the bottom)
# Core100, NEW LANGUAGE ITEMS, (Future): Parchment, vellum and their buddies then books, songs, poems... all for your entertainment (and horror, if there are random poems). Requires Core99.
# Bloat185, LIBRARIES, (Future): Books and libraries utilizing histories. Once these are in, people that you chat with don't need to know as much. You can find legends here that reveal locations of ruins made by world gen, or your dwarf games. Various other books are possible.
# PowerGoal46, THE GIANT ASS BOOK, (Future): You go to a dwarf fortress and see a giant unliftable tome filled with maps of the Underworld. You sketch a copy and depart.
# PowerGoal106, BOOK LEARNIN', (Future): Your master doesn't have time for you and has you read his book instead. You misunderstand the book and think the book is easy when it is actually advanced, and you tell your master you have learned what the book has to teach. Your master is upset and orders you to perform various menial tasks.
I think it's safe to say that Toady is thinking about paper.
EDIT: Although it seems you're also suggesting that the various bookkeeping jobs actually use up paper, on a fairly regular basis? Hm. Halls of shelves of accounting would be kind of dull, but I suppose I can imagine situations where you'd want actual books of ledgers... such as when dealing with banks. But you'd want this to be an optional thing, or you wouldn't be able to do anything at the start of the game!