Hello all,
I've been playing DF for a month or so now and have been having a blast. I've been able to figure most things out on my own, with the wiki, or searching the forums. I have a few questions, though, that I haven't been able to work out. If I could get some help, that'd be awesome. The first question, especially, is the most pressing. I've somehow trapped two legendary miners.
1) Pits: I've been trying to dig pits where I can dump captured things, so my miners channel their way down... and can never get back out. Usually they end up dead from starvation or thirst, or I dig down to a Z level where I have a tunnels already and then dig my way out. I've tried constructing ramps and stairs but they won't do it or it doesn't work. I even tried flooding one pit in hopes of washing the guys back out at a higher Z level out doors, but they drowned before they made it out. I know people pit building destroyers and thieves and stuff so surely you all don't just tunnel out and door/wall it off right? How do you all dig your 50 z level pits and all that?
2) Quarry bushes: So I grow quarry bushes, make myself bags, store the quarry bush leaves in a stockpile, and then attempt to process them in to bags at the farmers workshop. Except, every time without fail, I get the message saying I need unrotten processable item and bags. Now, if something is stock piled then it shouldn't rot right? and I know my bags aren't forbidden and in one case were within 3 tiles of a workshop. I've actually followed dwarves around to make sure they're harvesting, and storing. Am I missing something? Does this action just happen automatically and I'm just not noticing?
3) How does one build a tower? (I'm mostly just curious and am wondering if there's a tutorial on building above ground constructions like this)
4) how does one gather clay? I can't seem to find the designation...
5) I see on the forums that most people put their bedrooms 6+ z levels down and craft shops even lower. However, when I try and dig down to those levels, I'm well in to summer (or early autumn) before I get anywhere close to having basic fort structures set up. I guess my rule of thumb is to get inside as soon as possible, but should I not worry about this? Or is it generally the best idea to dig preliminary quarters and move down as time goes on? (I guess I'm just curious about this too. nothing urgent)
Thank you all for your help!