1. why actually do I need artifacts? I have a lot of different, shall I create a temple full of it or what?
2. I have a well active and drinking zone 1x1 near it designated. Noone is coming. why? Build 5x5 tile pond and designated drinking zone around - guys started to come down for drinking. what is the difference?
3. Designated dump zone is not working - guys preffer to dump everything in the nearest dry channel. how to make them use proper dump zone?
4. where can I find describtion of all x, XX, (), * item describtions? how to make sure it is encrusted or somehow enchansed?
5. how to make an electrum throne, my baroness is willing to have so much?
1. Artifacs are usually better than normal items. They are indestructible (not counting atomsmashing and semi-molten rock, I believe) and unsellable.
Other than they, there's nothing too special about them.
2. Wells don't need a drinking zone designated. Is there water under it? Also, only one dwarf can use a well at a time, so be patient.
3. if a dump zone is adjacent to an open space, dwarves will fling items down the hole. To stop this, don't set a dump zone next to a hole.
4. xitemx is partially destroyed. XXitemXX is mostly destroyed. You usually see these on worn clothes. !!item!! is on fire. -, +, *, (three lines), and (fancy *) are quality modifiers, from least to most. <<item>> shows that the item has been decorated. ((item)) means that the item was made outside of your fortress. {item} is forbidden.
I may have some of these incorrect.
5. Stockpile electrum near the mason's workshop, and make thrones. You may also need to disable electrum as an economic stone in [z]->stone.