How to build a dungeon in Dwarf Fortress

In Dwarf Fortress, you aren’t going to have perfect peace all the time. A dwarf may have a mental breakdown and become violent, or a bar brawl might break out in the tavern. Either way, justice is a very real thing in Dwarf Fortress, and if you want to detain individuals, then you’ll need a dungeon prepared. Here is how to make a dungeon in Dwarf Fortress.

How to construct a dungeon in Dwarf Fortress

What you’ll need

For a dungeon to be a dungeon in Dwarf Fortress, you’ll need some items and a dedicated zone.

You can put your dungeon anywhere you want, just make sure it is accessible. You can make the dungeon as big or small as you want.

In this dungeon, you’ll need facilities to keep dwarves. You can either craft cages or chains or ropes, or all three. Either facility keeps dwarves contained and restricted, which is exactly what you want. You can craft these items from the Carpenter’s Workshop, the Metalsmith’s Forge, or the Clothier (respectively).

Once they are all constructed, you can place them (builder’s tab -> Cages/restraints) wherever you want.

With the zone now full of detainment options, you have a working dungeon! Naturally these guys will still have to eat and drink, so make sure they are close enough to supplies of food and water. Your orderlies will attend to their health.

Related: How to Get Rid of Miasma in Dwarf Fortress

Using the dungeon

You will only be able to use the dungeon when dwarves misbehave.

You will need to appoint a Sheriff in the Nobles/administrators tab. The Sheriff will need a modest study, bedroom, and dining room a well as a chest and cabinet. Once that is done, any sort of law breaking or misbehaviour will be reported to the Justice tab where open cases will be dealt with.

If the punishment is a trip to the dungeons, then that is where they’ll remain for the rest of their sentence.

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