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[Albedo]

If everyone died that fast, you need to turn your game speed down, at least until you get a feel for the game. It's in init.txt, under Dwarf Fortress/data.

And a browse through the wiki might not hurt, unless you're real big on "learning by failing" - which is okay, just it can get old for some people. (And DF is infamous for that school of learning.)

[LockeCarnelia]

I didn't know Dwarves could see through fortifications.  Again, learning experience.

[Mondark]

Sounds like you're having a lot of fun, as some people like to call it here.  Yeah, the dwarves are pretty skittish when they're non-combatants, and when they are, they tend to be nigh suicidal.  If they can *see* something that seems dangerous (including, but not limited to: goblins, berserkers, trolls, goats, carp, and marmots) they will drop what they're doing and run away.  In your case, perhaps walls, instead of fortifications would've worked better, as the dwarves can't see through them.

Not sure what the problem with your crossbowdwarf was, I suggest making sure he is actually 'A'ctive in your military/on duty.  This might sound stupid, but make sure he isn't actually a hunter, they use crossbows too, but won't go to stations/patrol like actual military.

[Albedo]

I didn't know Dwarves could see through fortifications.  Again, learning experience.

If you want to avoid some of those (not all, that just ain't gonna happen), I'd suggest taking a look at the wiki for each new concept.  Most articles are under the key-word that the game uses - "fortification", "crossbow", "goblin", "berserk", "mood", whatever.  Some concepts that are not listed in-game too, like "defense" or "fun".  Saves from taking every one right on the chin.

I still keep the wiki open when I play for random details and new creatures, etc - it's the best (only?) user-manual out there, too much is just not intuitive, and there's just too much to remember while learning the game.