I followed a single Dwarf for 10 Years.

[@BlindiRL]

Full playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLfcJcFRTkH5LAOR0dPz_Fmux_TaXFxyyx&feature=shared The Mug: blindirl-shop.fourthwall.com/en-cad/products/vile-force-of-mug

[@KyeetWank]

The Gilligan's island reference was peak

[@underdoug]

I love that DF is old enough that you have to specify you've followed this dorf for 10 in-game years, because it's conceivable that the alternative is the case.

[@BlindiRL]

Someone pointed that out in twitch chat early on lol

[@willisverynice]

Otherwise it would be obvious what he meant

[@thomastanner8547]

@@BlindiRL I started messing with DF around 2008 but haven't played it for the past 6 or 7 years. The steam release plus running into your KZbin videos have got me back into it hard. Truly one of the greatest games of all time! It's wild to see how many things have been implemented, and how many more things there are left to go. I've been anticipating the magic system for ages. I can only imagine what all that might entail! btw, how's "the barricade" illustration coming? Can't wait to see it completed :D

[@BlindiRL]

The blockade? Soon ​@@thomastanner8547

[@spheroid-collective]

​@@thomastanner8547 The magic update is my most anticipated game related thing ever, everything will change when it gets released

[@Bigslam1993]

"This is a movie length KZbinvideo. All Blind videos are of the highest craftsmanship. It is inlaid with entertaining commentary. It is engraved with the images of many dwarfs, living their lives. It portraits the Dwarf "Cog Nolmistêm" and his adventures of reestablishing the old law."

[@socrates1000]

They really are great videos. I love longer form content. I just wish they were compensated more for this type of content.

[@goreobsessed2308]

Absolutely agree ​@@socrates1000

[@joelmitchell7597]

Joel felt satisfied after watching KZbin video.

[@BlindiRL]

:D

[@leolllx]

The only valid complaint I see in regards to the lengths of these videos are that they aren't long enough! Always leaves me wanting more.

[@whatthefox6303]

Whether intentional or not, this ended up being an extremely useful tutorial on how to read and understand a single Dwarf's life and thoughts. As a brand new player with less than 20 hours in the game, I'm enjoying this one!

[@jtfernandez5594]

Same

[@dogmonkey94]

I’ve got a few grumps in my fort now that could use some mood boosts and now I have ideas… maybe not as macabre but I’ve got ideas.

[@cyleleghorn246]

Blind is one of the absolute best KZbinrs at explaining the mechanics in this game. Whenever I need to understand something, I always check if blind has a video on it first. Either I won't have questions, or if I do he actually replies to me and then I understand it! @Blind thank you for making these videos so good and informative

[@Isvoor]

This made me wish that we had more names for relationships. "Former friend", or something to indicate falling out of touch with them, is just much better than a list full of "passing acquaintances"

[@killjoy2051]

"I am your brother's cousin's boyfriend's neighbor's roommate. What does that make us? Someone I have no problem reviving from the dead."

[@Askilryan]

Tracking relationships over time would be so great, maybe just in the form of adding a "and longs to speak to them" as a kind of 'suffix' to the relationship

[@Isvoor]

The "memories" tab could also maybe include names to better track who they were friends with.

[@spaceghostmiid]

learn german

[@criticalcommenter]

​@@spaceghostmiid Didn't win 2 world wars to do that. Learn English

[@arthenosthefirst8176]

"it was in self-defence of course". i COMPLETELY believe that! My own fortress had a child get into frequent tantrums, and before even being an adult he had killed twenty-two things (granted, four of them were dogs) during his rampages.

[@BlindiRL]

Damn right!

[@kyllbs1]

Wow.. that was a slow burn at first, but damn did it turn around. I'm more and more convinced the biggest skill in Dwarf Fortress is the ability to find the small stories in the lives of the dwarves. What a fantastic story, and very well told. I'm sure The Old Law would have enjoyed hearing it told in his tavern.

[@BlindiRL]

tbh I was worried it was a bit long and would not keep people till it "gets good" glad it worked for ya!

[@AndrewS-vu4ji]

The fact each individual drawf has this much data associated with them is insane to me, I can't imagine what craftdwarfship went into creating that system. Old Law.

[@CrossFortune]

It blows my mind that this game runs as well as it does a lot of the time knowing all of this.

[@plebisMaximus]

Craftsdwarfship of the highest quality, that's for sure.

[@NeoMatrix77777]

Another excellent masterwork Blind, the life of Cog the Old Law shall be remembered in the same ancient annals as Boatmurdered. All craftdwarfship is of the highest quality.

[@BlindiRL]

One can only hope.

[@koganusan]

i ❤ Boatmurdered so much

[@BlindiRL]

​@@koganusanusername checks out.

[@TheRealKiRBEY]

Who that?

[@totower9597]

All shall be turned to ash by the frilly seduction. 2:45

[@RisaxTheImp]

Man, I've had a couple hundred hours in Dwarf Fortress and still struggle with the basics. Currently trying to fight off a Wererabbit infection in my most recent fortress. And this madman is following a single Dwarf for 10 years while still getting an impressive fortress off the ground. But I suppose everything is possible with the Old Law. Great work once again, Blind!

[@BlindiRL]

Its not fair to compare your game play to mine. I have like 12k hours or something at this point. Keep at it, you'll get some fantastic stories as time goes.

[@RisaxTheImp]

@@BlindiRL I know, I know. I'll get there and thankfully have tutorials from you to look up if I do have questions. Loved the video and keep up the good work! Wererabbit infection seems to be gone, but I'm down to like 30 Dwarfs now of the 150-ish I had. Wish me luck rebuilding this fortress, I guess. 😅

[@CyanTeamProductions]

@@RisaxTheImpbanish those infected

[@ilari90]

@@RisaxTheImp I might be even more noob than you, my goal for playthroughs is to focus on a new thing I don't yet know how to do. Starting a fortress feels a bit tedious, getting to the meat of things, so I like to watch content more than try to play.

[@TheSuitedGiraffe]

I remember my first were-beast infestation. It basically turned into locking dwarfs into their bedrooms and then getting jump scared when I forgot about them.

[@MrDowntemp0]

And that 's just ONE of the citizens of paddleboats. They all have stories like that!

[@Uv3Harman]

Would be interesting seeing how he would evolve in a 100 years with his old law. Maybe a 10 year every month or second month series as this was really entertaining. Also it really shows the complexity of the personality of the dwarf fortress npcs. Makes me really think how the other dwarfs were after 10 years with seeing family die and get resurrected again and with all the battles happening. Thank you for this adventure 😊

[@BlindiRL]

I just would like to mention that this had 60 hours of footage. So that would require 60 hours of streams of this fortress per month. Plus the time it would take to edit it. This would be a HUGE undertaking and likely end up being 80% of my content for a year. I don't really think that is worth my time. Sorry.

[@Code_Machine]

What an absolutely fantastic fort. This was such a fun concept. Great stuff. Old Law

[@CrossFortune]

Old Law indeed!

[@TheDeadSource]

"leave well enough alone-" I see what you did there. I loved the zombie mechanism Cog used. Also love the soundwork for the video, and your narration, they've made the video an easy watch and highly amusing at points. One of the reasons I prefer to watch than play, I guess, people expressing their own narrative with their own spin and humour/drama makes the game really pop. Grateful for the momumental amount of work you put into it. Old law. EDIT: omfg the post-outro spoof just played moments after I pressed enter lmfao. What a callback.

[@dgfjdfgjfdgjfdgjfdgjfdgj]

Quite the Old Law. This made me realize how much you can get inmersed in thos game if you don't think as a player and think as a dwarf, base your projects around the dwarven moods

[@shadow101class]

"This couple immigrated here suddenly by having a child while visiting my country." "I shall name this baby ANCHOR." Blind I love your sense of humor

[@MaJetiGizzle]

Glad to see a return to the old law. Always happy to see these edited videos as well. Well done Blind!

[@BlindiRL]

Some wonder if the old law ever even left.

[@LtDan-fy7lc]

Expected story arc: Dwarf finds a new wife, starts a family, fort is raided by goblins, dwarf is last remaining survivor or something. Actual story: A dwarf, bitter and hateful over the loss of his wife and friend, turns his life around by becoming an evil Necromancer Overlord and sets about subtly attempting to convert the entire Dwarven race into an army of the undead... And finds a wife. And the old laws. 10/10. This is why I love Dwarf Fortress.

[@ronocmars]

This was absolutely Old Law excellent! It was a really fun idea to explore following a single dwarfs life in a fortress and the personality that comes out through it.

[@SuperShadowNova]

I'm happy to hear your new long-term videos are doing well. You're doing a great job, Blind! I was really looking forward to this playthrough :)

[@Meow_Tse-Tung]

I'm glad Cog had the prophesized last name "Tongueportals", for without it the word of the _old laws_ would not be able to spread far and wide. Fantastic video and a rollercoaster of a story. I barely understand how Rimworld works, so this was a little overwhelming to keep up with. Regardless, I had a blast. I can't wait to check out more of your content.

[@darnchacha1632]

This is Legit, I've been off the Dwarf Fortress KZbinr scene since before the Steam Release, Got a lot to binge Between you and a few others. Good stuff!

[@JohnW-sy1eo]

"We Dwarves revere simple things. Rock and Stone, and The Old Laws."

[@MaiseNow]

I love this experiment! I'm only just past the intro, but already your editing and timing of the little animated/audio bits are delightful. The goldfish going "woo!" cracked me up. Well worth the effort, Blind. Thank you for sharing your bizarre journey with Cog with us. Can't wait to see what happens to this man. EDIT: Holy shit. I had no idea about linking zones (year 4). That makes SO much sense. I am stoked to try that out next time I open up one of my forts. Edit from the ending: All hail The Old Law!

[@lisak2488]

I have never heard anything about Dwarf Fortress before but this video was so incredibly entertaining and informative my lack of knowledge definitely didn’t matter! Thinking about trying it out myself now as well, so ty for that :)

[@teneksi7803]

I love how much detail arises in a character you could easily overlook. Memories becoming patterns is a very clever way to generate personalities that react to their world. Quite the saga, old bonk

[@BlackburnBigdragon]

This fort gives me an idea. Have you ever tried building a fort out in the ocean, or large body of water that's essentially a fleet of ships or central ship that's like a floating castle on the water, like a giant stone-ship, surrounded by a fleet of smaller ships? It might be a neat project to try. You could wait till winter when the water freezes to build them and they could be constructed on pillars that go down to the ocean floor. Yeah... they wouldn't be real sailing vessels, but you could make them look that way just for the aesthetic. You could build underwater passageways so that the dwarves could get from one boat to another too. My head is getting filled with ideas.

[@BlindiRL]

Ive built rafts before. Not ships though.

[@Verlisify]

Its like this game knows your intentions and does its best to make you suffer. What are odds that despite trying to accommodate a Dwarf they become the most upset and have the first death of the fortress be their friend

[@jasonyesmarc309]

Absolutely amazing video of a single dwarf and his journey into the Old Law. Excellent work editing, and you crafted a great story from the complexities that the game presented to you.

[@lordedmundblackadder9321]

I love the fact that being caught in the rain once is a deeply traumatic event in this guy’s life that stays with him for years.

[@Jeevesie1988]

This was fantastic! You did a superb job executing on the already really cool premise! Here's to Cog finding a happy eternity under the Old Law.

[@Enshift-001]

Agreed!

[@EbonieWilliams]

I enjoyed hearing Cog’s story ❤ Old laws indeed

[@raguhmuffin]

This was such a good way to explain dorf needs and happiness, I have always been confused about what makes them happy or sad and what needs they have so thank you for all the detail this is very valuable. Great work of the highest old law quality

[@johnathanphillips]

really enjoying these long form vids! cant make the livestreams anymore so theyre great! loved watching the fort population go up and down during the siege in 392

[@BlindiRL]

What was your username on the streams?

[@BlokHeadAnim]

I actually cried a little bit when Cog and Bim found happiness in one another. In a weird way, embracing the dark arts and the Old Law to become necromancers made sense for them after lives full of loneliness and death. From their perspective, they were giving a gift to the other dwarves to not have to lose their loved ones like they did. I like to think they kept studying in their library together for a very long time, improving quality of life and promoting knowledge, art and education.

[@skullofglory10]

The beautiful thing is that every single dwarf of a fortress will have stories and lives like this..That means 200 dwarves, each having their own lives, And deaths. 200 individuals wandering about the fort with their own loves and hates, And feelings..That is nuts for a game, Nay, A simulation.

[@galdorofnihelm6798]

I really enjoy these long form DF story videos, as to me as a viewer, it really shows what DF is about and is a much more entertaining way of watching the game. That being said I dont want only these kinds of videos. I just want to say I really loved these long forms so far and keep up the great work!

[@michailnicki2224]

You are one of three people who consistently make both long videos and I watch them whole. The other ones are of course the legendary Kruggsmash and Rycon of the Cataclysm: DDA game. May the Old Law live forever.

[@spyfire242]

I've probably "watched" this video half a dozen times now, I keep putting it on right before bed to fall asleep to and don't make it past 10 minutes lol.

[@0DeadSoul0]

I am intrigued the a zombie child was able to create a masterwork. I would never have guessed that such a thing was positive. The old laws.

[@BlindiRL]

It always surprises me when I see it.

[@autonomousanonymous6310]

If it's a fey mood rather than a possession they get the same instant boost to legendary in the required skill even if they're not actually old enough to use it yet outside of the mood itself. Talk about peaking early :p

[@UMCorian]

So often, I will begin a fortress with a plan to pay more attention to the dwarves in it, but I always get sucked up into the work of building a fort - and before I know it, not only did I not really pay attention to the initial 7, I don't even know who they are amongst the 130 or so currently in there, after I've min-maxed my trading (for the 30x time). These self-imposed pausing rules seem like a very good idea. Yes, there's a million things to do. No, you can't do them - pay attention to your dwarves. This has inspired me to try a play through similar to this.

[@benjaminnafziger8737]

Great video and really nice editing! Thanks Blind. Old Law

[@BlindiRL]

Thanks :D

[@Digitaldryad]

love this vid and the concept!! the narrow field of view and lack of micro-management seems like a great opportunity to break out the defend burrow and patrol route military options, which i never feel the need for using in game normally

[@fragsnake]

I'm doing boring ass chores at home, but the story of Cog makes a great the whole process more bearable. Great content from Blind.

[@TheRenofox]

That was beautiful! I love Dwarf Fortress stories, and following a single dwarf was a perspective I've never seen done before.

[@tessaN64]

this is the first dwarf fortress gameplay video ive watched, i enjoyed the old law's story. thank you

[@BlackburnBigdragon]

To answer your question about aquifers, I'm in the "I DESPISE THEM!" camp. I almost always manually remove them from world gen. While I know how to deal with them, I just find that they get in the way of my fun. I'm too impatient to deal with them and want to really get started on the meat of what I want to accomplish. Usually, for my wells, I either divert a river into the fort, or I build a well that gets it water from a flooded part of the cavern layer.

[@verkhvo]

the concept of the old law is actually an amazing example of how you can make your own fun from interpreting the procedurally-generated lore

[@22TheJmans]

I was listening to this in the background as I was putting together some stuff for work. My Dad, who is now in retirement and staying with me temporarily, overheard the story and asked me to turn it up while he was doing the dishes. I clarified that he was talking about the Dwarf Fortress story and he said yeah, it sounds interesting. I laughed and obliged. Not something I would have ever imagined him being interested in but it speaks to the storytelling done by the game and found by Blind.

[@KaceyTime]

This was great, I don't watch a ton of Dwarf Fortress vids but this is definitely one of the more inventive concepts I've seen and I think the immense amount of work put into making it happen really paid off.

[@BlindiRL]

I'm exhausted if that says anything.

[@thatonespacenerd1272]

This is an awesome way to play DF, I may need to steal it for myself... Glad to see more edited content from you as always, you really have a knack for making it interesting and I'm glad you decided to start doing these :)

[@MatthewBlevins]

I watched this video the first time for the story. I watched this video the second time for the story (because I missed something), and discovered how intricate the moods/personality of this one dwarf was. It is amazing that this single dwarf has a story arc of change and redemption. Loss of friend and gaining new ones. One dwarf! I play DF and I've only barely touched on this kind of engagement with my dwarf citizens. It's like a new game emerged from watching this video. I really like the narration.. it really draws you in to Cog's story. I never knew about The Old Law.

[@CPursue]

Been loving the longform videos, would love to see you do more every once in awhile, hopefully the response has been good enough for more to come!

[@ctdaniels7049]

I feel like Cog's name is a sort of incidental pun, in that he's one of a much larger machine, BUT it's also the name of a type of ship.

[@a.........1._.2..__..._.....__]

Only at 3 years so far and hooked. As always you have a great sense for storytelling.

[@kaydah9000]

I love these long-form videos, Blind. Your storytelling is always a treat lol Thanks again for continuing these, it's a lot of work I'm sure!

[@Andrew-Almond]

I absolutely adore this and would love to see you take the format in a further direction even with smaller scale projects. Glory to the old law

[@jessesorvali]

Very cool stuff! Old Law!

[@Tokogawa100]

Unexpectingly fluent and nice to watch. Your Videos always make me want to play another round of Dwarf Fortress

[@BlindiRL]

Do it.. I dare you!

[@Tokogawa100]

@@BlindiRL The old Laws state that I shall indeed do so

[@mr.typhon7997]

hell yes, im hooked on your DF vids, my man. You've got great talent making these!

[@Jokerof7guns]

This was an awesome watch, it was a super fun idea, and has 100% converted me to the Old Law now!

[@phenomonox]

It's always interesting to watch these videos. And if I'm slightly late I am happy that I found a retelling of the old laws.

[@styfen]

Leaving a comment as asked cause it was bedtime when this video came out. Great stuff that the algorithm should be sending out to as many people as possible.

[@twed2]

What a cool way to tell a Dwarf Fortress story. Really great work (and that fortress looks very nice; a fitting tomb for a dwarf of Cog's stature). Old law.

[@gwenconrod4403]

Old Law. I don't actually play dwarf fortress but love watching other people do so, this was a fascinating deep dive into a mechanic I haven't seen a lot of people focus on

[@ashikat413]

this is the second video of yours YT recommended to me old law and I'm already subscribed :) this game is awesome but the work you put into telling the story that unfolds is mind blowing

[@UllricLex]

Was so much fun to watch. Thanks for all the work and time you put in there.

[@itsa_possum]

Man, I can see how those edited videos are a ton of work compared to the overall performance. Really enjoy them because I can't keep up with all streams, and those experimental ways to experience DF are oh so interesting. So I am glad that you find the energy to produce those loss-leaders. Anyway, as long as the dorfing is fun, I'll be watching one way or another. Ah, and old law :)

[@laraslurkingagain1492]

Zombies terrify me. Imagine standing on the deck of the ship, looking out over the warmer and hearing the echoing moans of the walking dead. Makes me shiver. Old law.

[@jumpingtree7521]

what an well done Video, this must have been a huge amount of work! thanks to create this old law mystery story.

[@raediance5523]

Loved learning about the old law! This was fascinating, thank you for your work!!

[@EdmondHiggins]

This is the single best Dwarf Fortress video I have ever seen, this was amazing.

[@Hepglon]

Old law! This was a fascinating video! Thanks for making it and sharing it with all of us!

[@cwynneth_celtia]

Hooray for Cog!

[@BlindiRL]

Hip hip! HORAY

[@JohnnyDoom]

Very very nicely done. That was a really fun watch. Thanks again for making these mega-content videos.

[@grandixximo]

Cheers to more of these, amazing job 😊

[@BlindiRL]

Thanks! Glad they still hit :D

[@IcecalGamer]

I don't usually up-doot 👍 a video before it's over, and even then it has to be a Great one. I've Liked and Subscribed half-way through this video, without/unprompted by any obnoxious "call to action" , or merch peddling or Raid-swallow-legends or. Awesome video, like YT or yore; a dude just making a passion video about an obscure topic: the old law . Now... i have ... AN entire VODs playlist to watch such a chore.

[@Deracos]

Loved the story! Found really intreresting how the game treats dwarve's memories And also the Old Law

[@doopuprime]

As a non-DF player, it's always fascinating to see just how deep the rabbit hole goes. I can't fully appreciate the difficulty of the challenge, but I can appreciate the story that emerged from it. Great video, glad to see a return to the Old Law!

[@Patsoverphins]

I've never played DF and don't know if I have the time to learn it, but i've been loving these videos! Old Law

[@Zeteni]

Playing Dwarf Fortress is rough enough as is, I cannot fathom the agony of only being able to pause and observe once every five days. Incredible stuff.

[@danielfeagin3846]

Love this kind of video! Glad to see more dwarf fortress stories from you Blind!

[@Yuyumaccie]

24:37 this is how anchor babies work, they literally had an anchor baby to get recidence in your fort 😂😂😂

[@nasakev]

Dwarf Fortress' emergent storytelling is beyond anything I've seen in other games. Truly the old law of the genre.

[@JesseRoberts]

Awesome work Blind! I caught a little of this on stream so I've been excited to see the story unfold!

[@BlindiRL]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jokecookie1089]

Dayum... congrats. You got me fairly emotional in these last moments of Cog...

[@Ysehporp]

This is your best video. Old law. The extra editing effort really shows and the story telling really works. I hope you'll make more videos like this!!! I finally realized I wasn't subscribed and subbed.

[@Juice_Jenner]

That was excellent work sir. Big fan. Old law. Bought a mug in support of your hard work boss.

[@BlindiRL]

Thank you so much 😀

[@xScrixx]

These long narratives videos are awesome, keep it up! Bonking remains my favorite but Old Law is just as unique.

[@geotrak9415]

Great video. Well done, cheers old law! 👏

[@BlindiRL]

Thanks!

[@johns.6966]

I've learned so much and enjoyed this video. May you're long form videos be forever successful. Old law.

[@caelin18]

Makes me wonder, is it possible to make a perfectly happy fortress if you checked on every dwarf every month. Especially with the merging of zones. The micromanaging would be insane and slow going, but would it be an efficient fortress? Or just some pleasure cult where everyone is happy but works really slowly?

[@joshuawiener5003]

If you can manage to make every dwarf ultra happy by meeting every single one of their needs at all time and never have a single dwarf with an unmet need, then the game will have a pop-up telling you that you have won Dwarf Fortress.

[@pellizcacristales]

I love this format! Please, make more videos like this!

[@TheStarspire]

These long form videos are very good and I hope they give you success!

[@aurora_australis6669]

It's amazing how you keep coming up with such original ideas, great video! ^^

[@KokoplaysMB]

This was an awesome video, really good job!

[@BlindiRL]

Oh shit I did not even think of that.

[@Haiphong778]

Great story, thanks for all your hard work in making it! Old law

[@JateGuitar]

Very cool experiment. I’m always building forts as a personal project and never take the time to look at the individual dwarves who live in them. I forget what an intricate simulation the game is.

[@baemsche]

Amazing video and playthrough! May the old laws preserve fort paddleboat forever!

[@shaboom420]

My First time watching your content. High-quality production my friend and you have curried a new subscriber w/the extaneffort