How to get powder for casts in Dwarf Fortress

In Dwarf Fortress, dwarves sometimes break arms, legs, and other bones and need them set in a cast. For this, they’ll need plaster powder, which is interchangeably called plaster powder and gypsum plaster in-game. Here’s how to manufacture and provide hospitals with that powder.

How to make gypsum plaster in Dwarf Fortress

To make gypsum plaster in Dwarf Fortress, you’ll need a source of the powder. This can be Gypsum stone, alabaster, selenite, or satinspar. Then you’ll need to build and use a Kiln to use the make plaster powder task. To use the Kiln, dwarves will need the furnace operating skill enabled.

To make plaster powder, you’ll also need an empty bag, which can be made of leather, cloth, or silk. Bags of plaster are subsequently stored in hospital zones, with the default amount of five bags of plaster. Bags of gypsum plaster do not have a specified stockpile option and will be stored in your furniture stockpiles unless stored in hospitals.

Related: Best method for metalsmithing and smelting in Dwarf Fortress

Common mistakes and errors with making plaster in Dwarf Fortress

There are two common, known issues if you’re having trouble making plaster powder. The first is not having enough bags. Bags will sometimes appear empty but contain something like a single seed, or something else, that prevents them from being filled. Or they may be forbidden or inaccessible to the Kiln. To solve this, manufacture more bags.

Alternatively, there is sometimes a bug where no matter what, they make plaster powder task won’t be as completed at the Kiln. In this case, you’ll have to use the Work Orders menu to make your manager set multiple jobs to get around this bug.

For more Dwarf Fortress guides, info, and information, check out How to make clothes in Dwarf Fortress on Pro Game Guides.