It's not going to come next version, but what I'd like to see in the future is related to what Vercingetorix wants - having your fortress more tied into the world.
In my ideal DF, we'll be able to build inns, taverns and shops which indiviudals and groups of travellers can use. Perhaps some of the travellers will even settle down, so you could have a multi-cultural fort.
This.
It needs more "outside" characters which their own stories and feats. It may be simple as adventure mode chat, but they should have some trophies they can show you in an "inn" when they migrate through your site, and that should inspire dwarves (these stories will appear on engravings etc.) and teach them some skills.
And a better organized lore would definitely be great, with more details.
Also a lot of other stuff, so let's try to make a list.
- More detailed world lore, with minor details like someone's important mannerisms written in legends and their adventures located there (not only kills, but long travels/writing of songs/writing of books).
- Documented lore in gameplay (books, stories, songs).
- Entertainment: "on break" replaced with actual actions, like walking, playing games, chatting, playing musical instruments etc.
- More "heroes" based on lore: legendary warriors, well-known merchants, talented bards; right now we can only find a hero when we scoop through tons of unorganized legends randomly; if the game logged minor "personal achievements" it would be possible.
- Interaction of your dwarves with outsider "heroes" mentioned before, with the way to give them minor quests and provide equipment.
Well all these are quite complex, but that's the things I would like most now.
I definitely want gameplay elements like ability to train/assign specific war animals etc. to be done, but that's not interesting to talk about
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