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Art

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This article is about the current version of DF.
Note that some content may still need to be updated.

Fortress mode[edit]

Art is a generic term for a way of recording history. You can order your dwarves to create art by ordering them to smooth and engrave stone walls, or to decorate objects. Art images can also appear on coins and statues. Art in the form of written works, which can be created by scholars in your fortress, will often reference historical events, or describe civilizations, smaller groups, or historical figures. Your citizens, as well as visiting scholars, can even create written works on the subject of art itself.

Description of an engraved image, depicting a civilization's group symbol.

Art records your fortress's history, such as when your dwarves were besieged by bloodthirsty elephants.

Ordinarily, simply inspecting a piece of art only shows what the art is of. If you are in adventurer mode, or if the option is enabled in the init.txt file, inspecting a piece of art gives a history of what it depicts, including the names of those depicted.

Adventure mode[edit]

Art from previous fortresses or NPC races can be seen and appreciated. Use l to look around, then a over an engraving you want to look at. For cloth tapestries, you can see their description from your inventory.

Legends mode[edit]

Many works of art are created during world generation, as well as a consequence of world activities, often referencing historical events. They can even become artifacts and coveted heirlooms.