A Strange Mood: The Couple's Dwarf Fortress Podcast

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A married couple makes a humorous attempt to understand and inhabit the world of Dwarf Fortress.

Episodes (24)Default

Episode 1: Is Dwarf Fortress A Game or a Toy?2023-01-18

Our very first episode! We talk a little bit about the game itself, introduce you to our worlds, and tackle the big question of whether Dwarf Fortress is a game or a toy. We had a couple of recording glitches, but we thought it was time to drop our pilot episode, so please forgive any audio goofers this once. For future episodes, this page will feature detailed show notes, the text of short stories, and links to anything we reference. Enjoy the episode, and thanks for embarking on this journey with us! The Forgotten Beast Quula Sutris lu has come! A towering feathered earthworm. It has wings and it squirms and fidgets. Its midnight blue feathers are long and broad. Beware its fire! The Forgotten Beast Asno has come! An enormous feathered iguanodont. It has a pair of knobby antennae and it undulates rhythmically. Its eyes glow azure. Its orange feathers are patchy. Beware its webs! Transcript (see README for more details)

43 min

Episode 2: Mushroom Wine – Delicious!2023-01-25

In our second episode, we’re talking drinks! We learn all about plump helmets, including how to efficiently grow them, store them, and turn them into that sweet, sweet dwarven wine. Drew reports on the unhappiest dwarf in existence, and Kristin bemoans the weremonitorlizard invasion currently plaguing her fort. https://www.twitch.tv/thatkristin Transcript (see README for more details)

45 min

Episode 3: Fort Design2023-02-01

No, not a fort called design; we’re talking about designing your fort! We also have some fun news from our forts, and a lamentation about the casualties of well-digging. A kaolinite crown An avocado os Ushat Seedlabored Transcript (see README for more details)

40 min

Episode 4 – Rank My Fort2023-07-24

Welcome to our fourth episode! Drew shares the military exploits of Daubedpages, Kristin laments the ongoing misery that is Ragdreams, and we talk briefly about fortress tiers. Are you a hamlet or a village? How about a duchy? Who knows!! As a bonus, Kristin shares a tragic short story about our friend Kol Copperleopard and her boyfriend Vabok. (You’ll be able to find text of the story in a separate post.) Thanks for listening! Alas, poor Vabok. The Battle of Doomfeet MENACES WITH SPIKES Transcript (see README for more details)

39 min

Episode 5: Should I Abandon My Fort?2023-07-24

Nothing says romance like zombie entrails and olm people skeletons. We’re both facing some troubles with our forts, and it might be time to move on. Drew’s linked location (Dungsville?!) is having some economic success, and Kristin cannot get rid of the zombies. Should we call it quits and embark anew? The evolution of a fortress! A damn good tower cap door A vicious bat man … man bat … idk A hydra engraved puzzle box Transcript (see README for more details)

38 min

Episode 6: Embarks, Sparkles, and Aquifers2023-07-24

We’re back! Welcome new listeners! We’re talking embark locations, including surroundings and how to deal with aquifers. We both have new forts and lots to say about them, and we mourn the demise of both Ragdreams and Daubedpages. Kristin also had a knock-down, drag-out fight with the microphone about a quarter of the way through this episode, so the sound quality changes for the better after 12ish minutes. riftflaxen the violence of treaties " data-image-caption="riftflaxen the violence of treaties, a damn fine siltstone mug " data-medium-file="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png?w=512" src="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png?w=512" alt="" class="wp-image-142" width="387" height="387" srcset="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png?w=387 387w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png?w=150 150w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png?w=300 300w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01261-2907533477-mug-made-from-mudrock-encrusted-with-rubies-pink-gems-and-smooth-round-stones.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-1.png 512w" sizes="(max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px" />Riftflaxen the violence of treaties, a damn fine siltstone mug bluntblossomed the patterned lamentation " data-image-caption="bluntblossomed the patterned lamentation " data-medium-file="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png?w=512" src="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png?w=512" alt="bluntblossomed the patterned lamentation" class="wp-image-141" width="390" height="390" srcset="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png?w=390 390w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png?w=150 150w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png?w=300 300w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01246-2907533478-multiple-ghostly-bogeymen-carved-on-a-detailed-on-the-surface-of-a-white-table.-16bitscene.-isometric-view.-medieval.-re-1.png 512w" sizes="(max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px" />Bluntblossomed the patterned lamentation, a white table engraved with bogeymen. Plural. a standard masterwork llama wool coat " data-image-caption="a standard masterwork llama wool coat " data-medium-file="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png?w=512" src="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png?w=512" alt="a standard masterwork llama wool coat" class="wp-image-143" width="313" height="313" srcset="https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png?w=313 313w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png?w=150 150w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png?w=300 300w, https://astrangemoodpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/01282-2907533482-a-long-gray-wool-coat-embroidered-with-cork-rings-and-stone-spikes.-rustic-medieval-fantasy-beautiful-16bitscene.png 512w" sizes="(max-width: 313px) 100vw, 313px" />A standard masterwork llama wool coat Transcript (see README for more details)

54 min

Episode 7: Age and Ages2023-07-24

Two weeks may feel like an AGE between episodes, but we’re back and we’re ready to talk about AGES of time… okay, there’s nothing there. Regardless, we’ve got weird news from our forts, and we delve into world generation and how history passes in Dwarf Fortress. We also talk a bit more about FPS problems, managing trash in your fort, and digging straight to hell. Transcript (see README for more details)

55 min

Episode 8: Hell Is Just a Hot Aquifer2023-07-24

We talk fort reclamation, aquifers, and HELL! Seriously, though, we cover a lot of ground in this episode. Drew is trying to dig to hell, Kristin reclaimed an old fort, and aquifers ooze uncontrollably. In other words, it’s a normal day in Dwarf Fortress. Transcript (see README for more details)

46 min

Episode 9: Death By Slippery Slope2023-07-24

It’s the safety requirements that’ll kill ya, folks. Drew tells us all about how to build a waterfall at your fort entrance, Kristin wonders if merchants are dumb or bugged, and we both share some weird fiction from our new forts. Plus, we reflect on how storytelling is an integral part of the game. Extra info: Our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1241402480100214/ Interview with Zach and Tarn at AIAS Gamemakers Notebook Podcast https://interactive.libsyn.com/the-history-of-dwarf-fortress-with-zach-and-tarn-adams-part-1 https://interactive.libsyn.com/the-history-of-dwarf-fortress-with-zach-and-tarn-adams-part-2 Adventure Mode Coming: https://www.pcgamer.com/dwarf-fortress-devs-on-big-adventure-mode-plans-this-is-just-gonna-blow-everyones-mind/ Lord Bookworm’s awesome artifact: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=128565266816725&set=g.1241402480100214 Transcript (see README for more details)

55 min

Episode 10: Our Spooky Shared Fort2023-07-24

For our tenth episode, we played a succession fort. What does that mean, you ask? Well, we passed shared fort in a HAUNTED biome back and forth for a total of four dwarf years. Fun was had. Digressions include windmills and the titles of consorts baron/ess. Thanks for sticking with us for TEN EPISODES! Extra info: Our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1241402480100214/ Our Discord group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Gashcozokon’s Procedurally Generated Data Extractor! https://sepsoft.ca/df/extraction/ Transcript (see README for more details)

49 min

Episode 11: Just Keep Digging!2023-07-24

We’re back to playing our individual forts AND we’re digging deep into the topic of caverns. Who knew we could fit so much content into one episode? Digressions include keeping dwarves happy after there’s been a massacre. Extra info: Our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1241402480100214/ Our Discord group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Dwarf Fortress wiki on caverns: https://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/Cavern Forgotten Beast from a listener! “The mountain titan Oda Thifatipi Thaluthithu has come! An enormous one-eyed serpent. It has a fat, bulging trunk and it has an austere look about it. Beware it’s deadly spittle.” They say: “I can just see it’s one monocled eye. I can see how genteelly it spits to show how austere it is.” Transcript (see README for more details)

49 min

Episode 12: From CopperStreams to CopperCrypts2023-07-24

Episode 12 brings you updates from Kristin’s fort, BellBlade, and the epic ending of Drew’s fort, CopperStreams. Topics (not digressions!) include animal training and how/when to specialize dwarf labor. **NOTE** Corrected version dropped at 1:41pm EDT. Apologies! Extra info: Our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1241402480100214/ Our Discord group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Dwarf Fortress Wiki on Animal Training: https://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/Animal_trainer Dwarf Fortress Wiki on Skills and Professions: (listener suggested!) https://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/Skill Transcript (see README for more details)

50 min

Episode 13: Legends – wait for it – MODE2023-07-24

Episode 13 brings the return of Legends Mode browsing, Kristin’s updates from BellBlade, Drew’s lack of updates from FieryCities, and so many violent attacks by otherwise peaceful animals. We also talk about finding your fort’s theme, such as: Glass! Magma! Succession Fort! but don’t know if we come to any conclusions. Extra Info: Our Discord group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Join the Discord to checkout: ErinsAaron’s Adventure Mode story Listen to DF Round Table to hear about: Nick’s Succession Fort Mod DF Hack through Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2346660/DFHack__Dwarf_Fortress_Modding_Engine/ Instructions for Exporting Legends Mode (reddit): https://www.reddit.com/r/dwarffortress/comments/13xt7w1/comment/jmj1h4v/ Legends Browser: https://github.com/robertjanetzko/LegendsBrowser2 Transcript (see README for more details)

50 min

Episode 14: Against the Storm2023-07-24

Kristin and Drew are still on vacation, but we’ve brought you a special bonus episode about a game we love, Against the Storm! It’s a rogue-lite settlement builder with woodland creatures and an evil forest, and we think you’ll love it, too. Note that this game has been in really rapid development, so a few things have changed since we recorded. We’ll be back in two weeks with our normal dwarfish content! Extra Info: Purchase Against the Storm Early Access on Steam. Against the Storm Publishers Against the Storm Discord Transcript (see README for more details)

50 min

Episode 15: Child Labor? In My Fort?2023-07-24

We’re back from vacation to tell you all about new forts, old forts, and child labor. Kristin’s new fort has a terrible name, and Drew’s continuing fort has a power couple and intriguing deaths. Plus, we talk all about dwarven children, both feral and, uh, domesticated? Asides include bees and unmanageable cavern terrain. Extra info: Our Discord Group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph The VIII Dwarf Fortress Gladiator Tournament on Bay12Forums (deadline July 5th … ?) Dwarven Free Labo… I mean, Dwarven Children. Instructions for Exporting Legends Mode (reddit): https://www.reddit.com/r/dwarffortress/comments/13xt7w1/comment/jmj1h4v/ Legends Browser: https://github.com/robertjanetzko/LegendsBrowser2 Good Dwarvish Fun: Blind Ogre Baiting – I’ve got 5☼ on the Dog The King in Crundle Bone and Tanzanite “Keep the Change You Filthy Animal!” I liked this one too much to not include it Transcript (see README for more details)

47 min

Episode 16: What Really Counts as Cheating Anyway?2023-07-24

This week, we’re giving you the news from our forts and then discussing what constitutes cheating in Dwarf Fortress and other simulation-type games. Digressions include bumblebee deities and Sims challenges. We also talk a little about two other games we’re currently enjoying: Sun Haven and Monster Sanctuary! Extra info: Our Discord Group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph The VIII Dwarf Fortress Gladiator Tournament on Bay12Forums Round 1 Results and Betting: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10q3Qojz8f8PS7QeOnmhJ5Xi5ph5lDB_ASTOtj8jnCeY/edit#gid=1108800907 DFHack, Steam Mods, and general frippery. Sims Challenges Sun Haven – 2023 Monster Sanctuary – 2020 Transcript (see README for more details)

50 min

Episode 17: Guilds Gone Wild – Embezzlement Edition2023-09-17

This week we’re talking about guildhalls! We also bring you the latest news from WetRinged and FieryCities, featuring embezzlement and divine judgement. Digressions include moon snails, shady statues, and underwhelming secret identity reveals. Drew also brings us the tale of a dwarven con artist from Legends Mode! Extra info: Our Discord Group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph BlindIRL Interview with the DF Team: Youtube The VIII Dwarf Fortress Gladiator Tournament on Bay12Forums Round 2 Results and Betting: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10q3Qojz8f8PS7QeOnmhJ5Xi5ph5lDB_ASTOtj8jnCeY/edit#gid=1108800907 Dwarf Fortress Wiki: Guilds and Guildhalls, Challenges, and the unexpected Moon Snail Man. Transcript (see README for more details)

46 min

Episode 18: It’s Not Adventure Mode, but It’s a Start!2023-09-17

This week, we’ve got brief updates from our forts, but mostly we’re geeking out about Baldur’s Gate 3! Talk about highest quality; we’re obsessed with this game. If you’re not interested and/or don’t want spoilers for Act 1, you can skip from 19:30 to 40:05. Digressions this episode include pedal harps and, well, most of the episode, since we’re talking about a different game. Extra Info: Our Discord Group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Check out Gashcozokon’s request for programmers for a Dwarf Fortress related project on Discord! Check out Knud’s awesome blacksmithing on Instagram: link, and checkout his newest little blacksmith on Discord. It’s a family business! The VIII Dwarf Fortress Gladiator Tournament on Bay12Forums In case you haven’t heard, Baldur’s Gate 3 is awesome: link, steam link. Come for the tentacle monsters, DnD 5E, and spell-jammer nostalgia, but stay for the hot bear sex! Transcript (see README for more details)

47 min

Episode 19: Dude! Where’s My Crutch?2023-09-17

We’re here, we’re injured, and we’re ready to talk about storytelling! This week, we discuss the demise of both Wetringed and FieryCities. (RIP.) We also dig deep into how we pull stories from dwarf fortress, how role-playing is different from storytelling, and what challenges we have when trying to document the lives of individual dwarves. Plus, Kristin wrote a story! Digressions include pareidolia and whether or not Kristin has a butler fetish. (No.) Extra Info Our Discord Group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Results of the VIII Dwarf Fortress Gladiator Tournament: Bay12Forums Interview with Tarn about role-play Pareidolia – seeing faces in clouds Apophenia – inventing connections between unconnected things XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) and ‘The Long War’ mod Transcript (see README for more details)

54 min

Episode 20: ADVENTURE! (sorry, not mode)2023-09-17

We’re back this week to talk about (sorry) BALDUR’S GATE 3! We dedicate an entire episode to gushing about this amazing game. Digressions include, well, the entire episode, which is a digression from our actual focus. We’ll be back to dorfin’ next time! Act 3 spoilers start at 26:47. Extra Info Our Discord Group: https://discord.gg/34kdwGQUph Dwarf Fortress Roundtable is back! Gash got a mention! The upcoming base building / Minecraft style game LOTR: Return to Moria sounds cool. Baldur’s Gate 3 Reddit: “My boyfriend loves Shadowheart more than me!” Tiktok lies: “Is Larian Studios being sued for making a game so good it makes other developers look bad?” … No, it’s weak satire guys. Why are you confused about this? … anyone? Transcript (see README for more details)

54 min

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