'Goblin Sieges' (z-S) and 'Ambushes' (z-A) are common threats from hostile civilizations. Goblins often bring 'Trolls', 'Goblins with mounts', and 'Siege Engines'. They will attempt to breach your defenses and steal your wealth. Ambushes are smaller, surprise attacks, usually by a few goblins or other creatures.
Strategy:
- Layered Defenses: Employ multiple layers of 'Traps' (b-T-t), 'Moats' (d-h), and 'Drawbridges' (b-g-d).
- Killboxes: Designate a 'Killbox' (d-d) at your entrance where invaders are funneled into traps and under fire from 'Marksdwarves' (m).
- Militia Deployment: Position your 'Militia' (m) strategically to engage invaders after they've been weakened by traps.
- Siege Engines: Build your own 'Ballistae' (b-T-b) and 'Catapults' (b-T-c) to counter enemy siege engines.
- Retreat and Seal: If overwhelmed, retreat your dwarves and seal off your fortress until the siege passes.