I see a major problem in that everyone will be asleep at the same time for 6 hours out of the day. Asking for at least two volunteers to do night shift. Perhaps Adil as she appears to be more of a scout character (though I ask that she please take her crossbow with her) and Shem (as he has a good deal of military experience).
As far as leadership goes, Shem is out of the question as he is already in command of our defense (yes, militia commander(and to be upgraded higher once our population rises, assuming he doesn't go out of his way to screw things up)). And I see that leaving the two most likely candidates as being Norrec and Kogan. The only problem is that I know little of Kogan's personality, and do not even know if he wishes to be a second in command. Could he please say whether or not he wants to be second in command and why?
Naturally we should have a central shaft of up/down stairs and rooms radiating out from those on each floor. The only concern about that is how far we let caravans in, but otherwise going up or down Z-levels keeps the whole fort closer together.
I agree completely with this, though I think Kog's ground plan will suffice for now and we can add in a staircase later. Ideally I would later like to see an entire z-level dedicated to all industrial type workshops with the resource stockpile (pretty much everything except food/drink) to be one z-level above or below. Once again I am most open to suggestions, but for now I see this as being the most efficient setup (as well as the most defensive as there is only one true entrance from which we would need to defend). My schedule coming soon after we have identified who will be on "night-shift".
Edit: Perhaps Shem should base his sleeping schedule around being partially awake for both the night AND day shift, as he will be needed for either if we are attacked. Or perhaps we should wait to see when baddies most often prefer to attack?
And exactly how many days will it be before we are to expect another caravan? And how often will plants be ripe after being planted?