diff --git a/LICENSE b/LICENSE
index 7998532ab..68b70dcf3 100644
--- a/LICENSE
+++ b/LICENSE
@@ -139,4 +139,46 @@ DAMAGE.
  * IN NO EVENT SHALL TONI RONKKO BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR
  * OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE,
  * ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR
- * OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
\ No newline at end of file
+ * OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------
+Parts of dfhack are based on linenoise:
+linenoise.c -- guerrilla line editing library against the idea that a
+line editing lib needs to be 20,000 lines of C code.
+
+You can find the latest source code at:
+
+  http://github.com/antirez/linenoise
+
+Does a number of crazy assumptions that happen to be true in 99.9999% of
+the 2010 UNIX computers around.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Copyright (c) 2010, Salvatore Sanfilippo <antirez at gmail dot com>
+Copyright (c) 2010, Pieter Noordhuis <pcnoordhuis at gmail dot com>
+
+All rights reserved.
+
+Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are
+met:
+
+ *  Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+
+ *  Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
+    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
+    documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
+
+THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
+"AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
+A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
+HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
+DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
+THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
+(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
+OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
diff --git a/library/CMakeLists.txt b/library/CMakeLists.txt
index 25e4bb2ab..803ade583 100644
--- a/library/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/library/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -151,6 +151,9 @@ IF(UNIX)
     COMMAND ${CMAKE_COMMAND} -E make_directory ${DFHACK_OUTPUT_DIR}
     COMMAND ${CMAKE_COMMAND} -E copy ${dfhack_SOURCE_DIR}/package/linux/dfhack ${DFHACK_OUTPUT_DIR})
     ADD_DEPENDENCIES(dfhack prepare_UNIX)
+    install(PROGRAMS ${dfhack_SOURCE_DIR}/package/linux/dfhack
+            DESTINATION ${DFHACK_LIBRARY_DESTINATION}) #linux: share/dfhack
+
 ENDIF()
  
 install(TARGETS dfhack
diff --git a/library/Console-linux.cpp b/library/Console-linux.cpp
index 4313d4d8e..6a846828c 100644
--- a/library/Console-linux.cpp
+++ b/library/Console-linux.cpp
@@ -22,42 +22,178 @@ must not be misrepresented as being the original software.
 distribution.
 */
 
+/* 
+Parts of this code are based on linenoise:
+linenoise.c -- guerrilla line editing library against the idea that a
+line editing lib needs to be 20,000 lines of C code.
+
+You can find the latest source code at:
+
+  http://github.com/antirez/linenoise
+
+Does a number of crazy assumptions that happen to be true in 99.9999% of
+the 2010 UNIX computers around.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Copyright (c) 2010, Salvatore Sanfilippo <antirez at gmail dot com>
+Copyright (c) 2010, Pieter Noordhuis <pcnoordhuis at gmail dot com>
+
+All rights reserved.
+
+Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are
+met:
+
+ *  Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+
+ *  Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
+    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
+    documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
+
+THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
+"AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
+A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
+HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
+DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
+THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
+(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
+OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
+*/
+
 #include "dfhack/Console.h"
 #include <cstdio>
 #include <cstdlib>
 #include <sstream>
+#include <stdio.h>
+#include <string.h>
+#include <string>
+#include <stdarg.h>
+#include <unistd.h>
+#include <sys/types.h>
+#include <sys/ioctl.h>
 #include <termios.h>
+#include <errno.h>
 using namespace DFHack;
 
-duthomhas::stdiostream dfout;
-FILE * dfout_C = 0;
-duthomhas::stdiobuf * stream_o = 0;
+#define LINENOISE_DEFAULT_HISTORY_MAX_LEN 100
+#define LINENOISE_MAX_LINE 4096
+
+static const char *unsupported_term[] = {"dumb","cons25",NULL};
+namespace DFHack
+{
+    class Private
+    {
+    public:
+        Private()
+        {
+            dfout_C = 0;
+            stream_o = 0;
+            rawmode = 0;
+            history_max_len = LINENOISE_DEFAULT_HISTORY_MAX_LEN;
+            history_len = 0;
+            history = NULL;
+        };
+        int get_columns(void)
+        {
+            winsize ws;
+            if (ioctl(STDIN_FILENO, TIOCGWINSZ, &ws) == -1) return 80;
+            return ws.ws_col;
+        }
 
+        int get_rows(void)
+        {
+            winsize ws;
+            if (ioctl(STDIN_FILENO, TIOCGWINSZ, &ws) == -1) return 25;
+            return ws.ws_row;
+        }
+        void clear()
+        {
+            const char * clr = "\033c\033[3J\033[H";
+            write(STDIN_FILENO,clr,strlen(clr));
+        }
+
+        int isUnsupportedTerm(void)
+        {
+            char *term = getenv("TERM");
+            int j;
+
+            if (term == NULL) return 0;
+            for (j = 0; unsupported_term[j]; j++)
+                if (!strcasecmp(term,unsupported_term[j])) return 1;
+                return 0;
+        }
+
+        FILE * dfout_C;
+        duthomhas::stdiobuf * stream_o;
+        termios orig_termios; /* in order to restore at exit */
+        int rawmode; /* for atexit() function to check if restore is needed*/
+        int history_max_len;
+        int history_len;
+        char **history;
+    };
+}
 // FIXME: prime candidate for being a singleton...
 Console::Console()
+{
+    d = new Private();
+}
+Console::~Console()
+{
+    delete d;
+}
+
+bool Console::init(void)
 {
     // make our own weird streams so our IO isn't redirected
-    dfout_C = fopen("/dev/tty", "w");
-    stream_o = new duthomhas::stdiobuf(dfout_C);
-    dfout.rdbuf(stream_o);
-    std::cin.tie(&dfout);
+    d->dfout_C = fopen("/dev/tty", "w");
+    d->stream_o = new duthomhas::stdiobuf(d->dfout_C);
+    rdbuf(d->stream_o);
+    std::cin.tie(this);
     clear();
-    // result is a terminal controlled by the parasitic code!
 }
-Console::~Console()
+
+bool Console::shutdown(void)
 {
-    
+    if(d->rawmode)
+        disable_raw();
+    *this << std::endl;
 }
+
+int Console::print( const char* format, ... )
+{
+    va_list args;
+    va_start( args, format );
+    int ret = vfprintf( d->dfout_C, format, args );
+    va_end( args );
+    return ret;
+}
+
+int Console::get_columns(void)
+{
+    return d->get_columns();
+}
+
+int Console::get_rows(void)
+{
+    return d->get_rows();
+}
+
 void Console::clear()
 {
-    dfout << "\033c";
-    dfout << "\033[3J\033[H";
+    *this << "\033c";
+    *this << "\033[3J\033[H";
 }
+
 void Console::gotoxy(int x, int y)
 {
     std::ostringstream oss;
     oss << "\033[" << y << ";" << x << "H";
-    dfout << oss.str();
+    *this << oss.str();
 }
 
 const char * ANSI_CLS = "\033[2J";
@@ -105,12 +241,12 @@ const char * getANSIColor(const int c)
 
 void Console::color(int index)
 {
-    dfout << getANSIColor(index);
+    *this << getANSIColor(index);
 }
 
 void Console::reset_color( void )
 {
-    dfout << RESETCOLOR;
+    *this << RESETCOLOR;
 }
 
 
@@ -118,11 +254,11 @@ void Console::cursor(bool enable)
 {
     if(enable)
     {
-        dfout <<"\033[?25h";
+        *this <<"\033[?25h";
     }
     else
     {
-        dfout <<"\033[?25l";
+        *this <<"\033[?25l";
     }
 }
 
@@ -130,4 +266,327 @@ void Console::msleep (unsigned int msec)
 {
     if (msec > 1000) sleep(msec/1000000);
     usleep((msec % 1000000) * 1000);
+}
+
+int Console::enable_raw()
+{
+    struct termios raw;
+
+    if (!isatty(STDIN_FILENO)) goto fatal;
+    if (tcgetattr(STDIN_FILENO,&d->orig_termios) == -1) goto fatal;
+
+    raw = d->orig_termios;  /* modify the original mode */
+    /* input modes: no break, no CR to NL, no parity check, no strip char,
+     * no start/stop output control. */
+    raw.c_iflag &= ~(BRKINT | ICRNL | INPCK | ISTRIP | IXON);
+    /* output modes - disable post processing */
+    raw.c_oflag &= ~(OPOST);
+    /* control modes - set 8 bit chars */
+    raw.c_cflag |= (CS8);
+    /* local modes - choing off, canonical off, no extended functions,
+     * no signal chars (^Z,^C) */
+    raw.c_lflag &= ~(ECHO | ICANON | IEXTEN | ISIG);
+    /* control chars - set return condition: min number of bytes and timer.
+     * We want read to return every single byte, without timeout. */
+    raw.c_cc[VMIN] = 1; raw.c_cc[VTIME] = 0; /* 1 byte, no timer */
+
+    /* put terminal in raw mode after flushing */
+    if (tcsetattr(STDIN_FILENO,TCSAFLUSH,&raw) < 0) goto fatal;
+    d->rawmode = 1;
+    return 0;
+
+fatal:
+    errno = ENOTTY;
+    return -1;
+}
+
+void Console::disable_raw()
+{
+    /* Don't even check the return value as it's too late. */
+    if (d->rawmode && tcsetattr(STDIN_FILENO,TCSAFLUSH,&d->orig_termios) != -1)
+        d->rawmode = 0;
+}
+
+void Console::prompt_refresh( const std::string& prompt, const std::string& buffer, size_t pos)
+{
+    char seq[64];
+    int cols = get_columns();
+    int plen = prompt.size();
+    const char * buf = buffer.c_str();
+    int len = buffer.size();
+    // Use math! This is silly.
+    while((plen+pos) >= cols)
+    {
+        buf++;
+        len--;
+        pos--;
+    }
+    while (plen+len > cols)
+    {
+        len--;
+    }
+    /* Cursor to left edge */
+    snprintf(seq,64,"\x1b[1G");
+    if (::write(STDIN_FILENO,seq,strlen(seq)) == -1) return;
+    /* Write the prompt and the current buffer content */
+    if (::write(STDIN_FILENO,prompt.c_str(),plen) == -1) return;
+    if (::write(STDIN_FILENO,buf,len) == -1) return;
+    /* Erase to right */
+    snprintf(seq,64,"\x1b[0K");
+    if (::write(STDIN_FILENO,seq,strlen(seq)) == -1) return;
+    /* Move cursor to original position. */
+    snprintf(seq,64,"\x1b[1G\x1b[%dC", (int)(pos+plen));
+    if (::write(STDIN_FILENO,seq,strlen(seq)) == -1) return;
+}
+
+int Console::prompt_loop(const std::string & prompt, std::string & buffer)
+{
+    int fd = STDIN_FILENO;
+    size_t plen = prompt.size();
+    size_t pos = 0;
+    size_t cols = d->get_columns();
+    int history_index = 0;
+
+    /* The latest history entry is always our current buffer, that
+     * initially is just an empty string. */
+    history_add("");
+
+    if (::write(fd,prompt.c_str(),plen) == -1) return -1;
+    while(1)
+    {
+        char c;
+        int nread;
+        char seq[2], seq2[2];
+
+        nread = ::read(fd,&c,1);
+        if (nread <= 0) return buffer.size();
+
+        /* Only autocomplete when the callback is set. It returns < 0 when
+         * there was an error reading from fd. Otherwise it will return the
+         * character that should be handled next. */
+        if (c == 9)
+        {
+            /*
+            if( completionCallback != NULL) {
+                c = completeLine(fd,prompt,buf,buflen,&len,&pos,cols);
+                // Return on errors
+                if (c < 0) return len;
+                // Read next character when 0
+                if (c == 0) continue;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // ignore tab
+                continue;
+            }
+            */
+            // just ignore tabs
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        switch(c) {
+        case 13:    /* enter */
+            history.pop_front();
+            return buffer.size();
+        case 3:     /* ctrl-c */
+            errno = EAGAIN;
+            return -1;
+        case 127:   /* backspace */
+        case 8:     /* ctrl-h */
+            if (pos > 0 && buffer.size() > 0)
+            {
+                buffer.erase(pos-1,1);
+                pos--;
+                prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            }
+            break;
+            // I fail to see how is this useful to anyone but hardcore emacs users
+            /*
+        case 4:     // ctrl-d, remove char at right of cursor
+            if (len > 1 && pos < (len-1)) {
+                memmove(buf+pos,buf+pos+1,len-pos);
+                len--;
+                buf[len] = '\0';
+                prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            } else if (len == 0) {
+                history_len--;
+                free(history[history_len]);
+                return -1;
+            }
+            break;
+        case 20:    // ctrl-t
+            if (pos > 0 && pos < len) {
+                int aux = buf[pos-1];
+                buf[pos-1] = buf[pos];
+                buf[pos] = aux;
+                if (pos != len-1) pos++;
+                prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            }
+            break;
+        case 2:     // ctrl-b
+            goto left_arrow;
+        case 6:     // ctrl-f
+            goto right_arrow;
+        case 16:    // ctrl-p
+            seq[1] = 65;
+            goto up_down_arrow;
+        case 14:    // ctrl-n
+            seq[1] = 66;
+            goto up_down_arrow;
+            break;
+            */
+        case 27:    /* escape sequence */
+            if (::read(fd,seq,2) == -1) break;
+            if(seq[0] == '[')
+            {
+                if (seq[1] == 'D')
+                {
+                    left_arrow:
+                    if (pos > 0)
+                    {
+                        pos--;
+                        prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                    }
+                }
+                else if ( seq[1] == 'C')
+                {
+                    right_arrow:
+                    /* right arrow */
+                    if (pos != buffer.size())
+                    {
+                        pos++;
+                        prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                    }
+                }
+                else if (seq[1] == 'A' || seq[1] == 'B')
+                {
+                    up_down_arrow:
+                    /* up and down arrow: history */
+                    if (history.size() > 1)
+                    {
+                        /* Update the current history entry before to
+                         * overwrite it with tne next one. */
+                        history[history_index] = buffer;
+                        /* Show the new entry */
+                        history_index += (seq[1] == 'A') ? 1 : -1;
+                        if (history_index < 0)
+                        {
+                            history_index = 0;
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        else if (history_index >= history.size())
+                        {
+                            history_index = history.size()-1;
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        buffer = history[history_index];
+                        pos = buffer.size();
+                        prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                    }
+                }
+                else if(seq[1] == 'H')
+                {
+                    // home
+                    pos = 0;
+                    prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                }
+                else if(seq[1] == 'F')
+                {
+                    // end
+                    pos = buffer.size();
+                    prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                }
+                else if (seq[1] > '0' && seq[1] < '7')
+                {
+                    // extended escape
+                    if (::read(fd,seq2,2) == -1) break;
+                    if (seq2[0] == '~' && seq[1] == '3')
+                    {
+                        // delete
+                        if (buffer.size() > 0 && pos < buffer.size())
+                        {
+                            buffer.erase(pos,1);
+                            prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            break;
+        default:
+            if (buffer.size() == pos)
+            {
+                buffer.append(1,c);
+                pos++;
+                if (plen+buffer.size() < cols)
+                {
+                    /* Avoid a full update of the line in the
+                     * trivial case. */
+                    if (::write(fd,&c,1) == -1) return -1;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                buffer.insert(pos,1,c);
+                pos++;
+                prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            }
+            break;
+        case 21: // Ctrl+u, delete the whole line.
+            buffer.clear();
+            pos = 0;
+            prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            break;
+        case 11: // Ctrl+k, delete from current to end of line.
+            buffer.erase(pos);
+            prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            break;
+        case 1: // Ctrl+a, go to the start of the line
+            pos = 0;
+            prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            break;
+        case 5: // ctrl+e, go to the end of the line
+            pos = buffer.size();
+            prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+            break;
+        case 12: // ctrl+l, clear screen
+            clear();
+            prompt_refresh(prompt,buffer,pos);
+        }
+    }
+    return buffer.size();
+}
+// push to front, remove from back if we are above maximum. ignore immediate duplicates
+void Console::history_add(const std::string & command)
+{
+    if(history.front() == command)
+        return;
+    history.push_front(command);
+    if(history.size() > 100)
+        history.pop_back();
+}
+
+int Console::lineedit(const std::string & prompt, std::string & output)
+{
+    output.clear();
+    int count;
+
+    if (d->isUnsupportedTerm() || !isatty(STDIN_FILENO))
+    {
+        *this << prompt;
+        flush();
+        std::getline(std::cin, output);
+        return output.size();
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        if (enable_raw() == -1) return 0;
+        count = prompt_loop(prompt, output);
+        disable_raw();
+        *this << std::endl;
+        return output.size();
+    }
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/library/Core.cpp b/library/Core.cpp
index ea8d26084..72e607c54 100644
--- a/library/Core.cpp
+++ b/library/Core.cpp
@@ -125,46 +125,44 @@ int fIOthread(void * iodata)
     PluginManager * plug_mgr = ((IODATA*) iodata)->plug_mgr;
     if(plug_mgr == 0 || core == 0)
     {
-        dfout << "Something horrible happened to the plugin manager in Core's constructor..." << std::endl;
+        core->con << "Something horrible happened to the plugin manager in Core's constructor..." << std::endl;
         return 0;
     }
-    fprintf(dfout_C,"DFHack is ready. Have a nice day! Type in '?' or 'help' for help.\n");
+    core->con.print("DFHack is ready. Have a nice day! Type in '?' or 'help' for help.\n");
     //dfterm <<  << endl;
     int clueless_counter = 0;
     while (true)
     {
         string command = "";
-        //dfout <<"[DFHack]# ";
-        char * line = linenoise("[DFHack]# ", dfout_C);
+        core->con.lineedit("[DFHack]# ",command);
+        core->con.history_add(command);
+        //core->con <<"[DFHack]# ";
+        //char * line = linenoise("[DFHack]# ", core->con.dfout_C);
         //        dfout <<"[DFHack]# ";
-        if(line)
+        /*
+        if (line)
         {
             command=line;
             linenoiseHistoryAdd(line);
             free(line);
-        }
+        }*/
         //getline(cin, command);
-        if (cin.eof())
-        {
-            command = "q";
-            dfout << std::endl; // No newline from the user here!
-        }
         if(command=="help" || command == "?")
         {
-            dfout << "Available commands" << endl;
-            dfout << "------------------" << endl;
+            core->con << "Available commands" << endl;
+            core->con << "------------------" << endl;
             for(int i = 0; i < plug_mgr->size();i++)
             {
                 const Plugin * plug = (plug_mgr->operator[](i));
                 if(!plug->size())
                     continue;
-                dfout << "Plugin " << plug->getName() << " :" << std::endl;
+                core->con << "Plugin " << plug->getName() << " :" << std::endl;
                 for (int j = 0; j < plug->size();j++)
                 {
                     const PluginCommand & pcmd = (plug->operator[](j));
-                    dfout << setw(12) << pcmd.name << "| " << pcmd.description << endl;
+                    core->con << setw(12) << pcmd.name << "| " << pcmd.description << endl;
                 }
-                dfout << endl;
+                core->con << endl;
             }
         }
         else if( command == "" )
@@ -186,18 +184,18 @@ int fIOthread(void * iodata)
                 command_result res = plug_mgr->InvokeCommand(first, parts);
                 if(res == CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED)
                 {
-                    dfout << "Invalid command." << endl;
+                    core->con << "Invalid command." << endl;
                     clueless_counter ++;
                 }
                 else if(res == CR_FAILURE)
                 {
-                    dfout << "ERROR!" << endl;
+                    core->con << "ERROR!" << endl;
                 }
             }
         }
         if(clueless_counter == 3)
         {
-            dfout << "Do 'help' or '?' for the list of available commands." << endl;
+            core->con << "Do 'help' or '?' for the list of available commands." << endl;
             clueless_counter = 0;
         }
     }
@@ -206,7 +204,6 @@ int fIOthread(void * iodata)
 Core::Core()
 {
     // init the console. This must be always the first step!
-    con = 0;
     plug_mgr = 0;
     vif = 0;
     p = 0;
@@ -228,13 +225,13 @@ Core::Core()
 bool Core::Init()
 {
     // init the console. This must be always the first step!
-    con = new Console();
+    con.init();
     // find out what we are...
     vif = new DFHack::VersionInfoFactory("Memory.xml");
     p = new DFHack::Process(vif);
     if (!p->isIdentified())
     {
-        dfout << "Couldn't identify this version of DF." << std::endl;
+        con << "Couldn't identify this version of DF." << std::endl;
         errorstate = true;
         delete p;
         p = NULL;
@@ -246,7 +243,7 @@ bool Core::Init()
     AccessMutex = SDL_CreateMutex();
     if(!AccessMutex)
     {
-        dfout << "Mutex creation failed." << std::endl;
+        con << "Mutex creation failed." << std::endl;
         errorstate = true;
         return false;
     }
@@ -255,7 +252,7 @@ bool Core::Init()
     plug_mgr = new PluginManager(this);
     if(!plug_mgr)
     {
-        dfout << "Failed to create the Plugin Manager." << std::endl;
+        con << "Failed to create the Plugin Manager." << std::endl;
         errorstate = true;
         return false;
     }
@@ -367,11 +364,7 @@ int Core::Shutdown ( void )
     }
     allModules.clear();
     memset(&(s_mods), 0, sizeof(s_mods));
-    dfout << std::endl;
-    // kill the console object
-    if(con)
-        delete con;
-    con = 0;
+    con.shutdown();
     return -1;
 }
 
diff --git a/library/PluginManager.cpp b/library/PluginManager.cpp
index be57ca1bd..77515f891 100644
--- a/library/PluginManager.cpp
+++ b/library/PluginManager.cpp
@@ -47,7 +47,6 @@ static int getdir (string dir, vector<string> &files)
     struct dirent *dirp;
     if((dp  = opendir(dir.c_str())) == NULL)
     {
-        dfout << "Error(" << errno << ") opening " << dir << endl;
         return errno;
     }
     while ((dirp = readdir(dp)) != NULL) {
@@ -81,20 +80,20 @@ Plugin::Plugin(Core * core, const std::string & file)
     DFLibrary * plug = OpenPlugin(file.c_str());
     if(!plug)
     {
-        dfout << "Can't load plugin " << filename << endl;
+        core->con << "Can't load plugin " << filename << endl;
         return;
     }
     const char * (*_PlugName)() =(const char * (*)()) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_name");
     if(!_PlugName)
     {
-        dfout << "Plugin " << filename << " has no name." << endl;
+        core->con << "Plugin " << filename << " has no name." << endl;
         ClosePlugin(plug);
         return;
     }
     plugin_init = (command_result (*)(Core *, std::vector <PluginCommand> &)) LookupPlugin(plug, "plugin_init");
     if(!plugin_init)
     {
-        dfout << "Plugin " << filename << " has no init function." << endl;
+        core->con << "Plugin " << filename << " has no init function." << endl;
         ClosePlugin(plug);
         return;
     }
diff --git a/library/depends/libnoise/linenoise.cpp b/library/depends/libnoise/linenoise.cpp
index 863590f53..5cbf48256 100644
--- a/library/depends/libnoise/linenoise.cpp
+++ b/library/depends/libnoise/linenoise.cpp
@@ -112,7 +112,8 @@ char **history = NULL;
 static void linenoiseAtExit(void);
 int linenoiseHistoryAdd(const char *line);
 
-static int isUnsupportedTerm(void) {
+static int isUnsupportedTerm(void)
+{
     char *term = getenv("TERM");
     int j;
 
@@ -286,7 +287,47 @@ void linenoiseClearScreen(void) {
         /* nothing to do, just to avoid warning. */
     }
 }
-
+/*
+static int selread(int fd, char *buf, size_t buflen)
+{
+    int            n;
+    int start = 0;
+    fd_set         input;
+    struct timeval timeout;
+    // Initialize the input set
+    FD_ZERO(&input);
+    FD_SET(fd, &input);
+
+    repeat_select:
+    timeout.tv_sec  = 1;
+    timeout.tv_usec = 0;
+    n = select(fd+1, &input, NULL, NULL, &timeout);
+    if(n == 0 || n == -1 && errno == EINTR)
+    {
+        // lock mutex
+        // copy end variable
+        // unlock mutex
+        // if end, return -2
+        // else
+        goto repeat_select;
+    }
+    else if (n > 0)
+    {
+        int nread = read(fd,buf + start,buflen);
+        if (nread == -1)
+            return -1; // it's an ugly error
+        else if(nread < buflen)
+        {
+            start += nread;
+            buflen -= nread;
+            goto repeat_select;
+        }
+        else return nread + start;
+    }
+    else
+        return -1;
+}
+*/
 static int linenoisePrompt(int fd, char *buf, size_t buflen, const char *prompt) {
     size_t plen = strlen(prompt);
     size_t pos = 0;
@@ -538,7 +579,8 @@ static int linenoiseRaw(char *buf, size_t buflen, const char *prompt, FILE * out
     return count;
 }
 
-char *linenoise(const char *prompt, FILE * out) {
+char *linenoise(const char *prompt, FILE * out)
+{
     char buf[LINENOISE_MAX_LINE];
     int count;
 
@@ -575,11 +617,13 @@ void linenoiseAddCompletion(linenoiseCompletions *lc, const char *str) {
 }
 
 /* Using a circular buffer is smarter, but a bit more complex to handle. */
-int linenoiseHistoryAdd(const char *line) {
+int linenoiseHistoryAdd(const char *line)
+{
     char *linecopy;
 
     if (history_max_len == 0) return 0;
-    if (history == NULL) {
+    if (history == NULL)
+    {
         history = (char**)malloc(sizeof(char*)*history_max_len);
         if (history == NULL) return 0;
         memset(history,0,(sizeof(char*)*history_max_len));
@@ -596,7 +640,8 @@ int linenoiseHistoryAdd(const char *line) {
     return 1;
 }
 
-int linenoiseHistorySetMaxLen(int len) {
+int linenoiseHistorySetMaxLen(int len)
+{
     char **newHistory;
 
     if (len < 1) return 0;
diff --git a/library/include/dfhack/Console.h b/library/include/dfhack/Console.h
index faa29c866..de8cfdca9 100644
--- a/library/include/dfhack/Console.h
+++ b/library/include/dfhack/Console.h
@@ -25,19 +25,23 @@ distribution.
 #pragma once
 #include "dfhack/Pragma.h"
 #include "dfhack/Export.h"
-#include "dfhack/Core.h"
 #include "dfhack/extra/stdiostream.h"
-
-extern DFHACK_EXPORT duthomhas::stdiostream dfout;
-extern DFHACK_EXPORT FILE * dfout_C;
+#include <deque>
 
 namespace  DFHack
 {
-    class DFHACK_EXPORT Console
+    class Private;
+    class DFHACK_EXPORT Console : public duthomhas::stdiostream
     {
     public:
         Console();
         ~Console();
+        /// initialize the console
+        bool init( void );
+        /// shutdown the console
+        bool shutdown( void );
+        /// Print a formatted string, like printf
+        int  print(const char * format, ...);
         /// Clear the console, along with its scrollback
         void clear();
         /// Position cursor at x,y. 1,1 = top left corner
@@ -50,5 +54,23 @@ namespace  DFHack
         void cursor(bool enable = true);
         /// Waits given number of milliseconds before continuing.
         void msleep(unsigned int msec);
+        /// get the current number of columns
+        int  get_columns(void);
+        /// get the current number of rows
+        int  get_rows(void);
+        /// beep. maybe?
+        //void beep (void);
+        /// A simple line edit (raw mode)
+        int lineedit(const std::string& prompt, std::string& output);
+        /// add a command to the history
+        void history_add(const std::string& command);
+    private:
+        int prompt_loop(const std::string & prompt, std::string & buffer);
+        void prompt_refresh( const std::string & prompt, const std::string & buffer, size_t pos);
+        int enable_raw();
+        void disable_raw();
+        std::deque <std::string> history;
+        void history_clear();
+        Private * d;
     };
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/library/include/dfhack/Core.h b/library/include/dfhack/Core.h
index 1f9615d9e..381d68194 100644
--- a/library/include/dfhack/Core.h
+++ b/library/include/dfhack/Core.h
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ distribution.
 #include <stack>
 #include <map>
 #include <stdint.h>
-
+#include "dfhack/Console.h"
 
 namespace DFHack
 {
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ namespace DFHack
 
         DFHack::Process * p;
         DFHack::VersionInfo * vinfo;
-        DFHack::Console * con;
+        DFHack::Console con;
     private:
         Core();
         bool Init();
diff --git a/plugins/cleanmap.cpp b/plugins/cleanmap.cpp
index 01cb530e5..132b8bd4f 100644
--- a/plugins/cleanmap.cpp
+++ b/plugins/cleanmap.cpp
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result cleanmap (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     // init the map
     if(!Mapz->Start())
     {
-        dfout << "Can't init map." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Can't init map." << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
diff --git a/plugins/prospector.cpp b/plugins/prospector.cpp
index 639f1900d..9c78264d4 100644
--- a/plugins/prospector.cpp
+++ b/plugins/prospector.cpp
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ struct compare_pair_second
 };
 
 
-void printMats(MatMap &mat, std::vector<DFHack::t_matgloss> &materials)
+void printMats(DFHack::Console & con, MatMap &mat, std::vector<DFHack::t_matgloss> &materials)
 {
     unsigned int total = 0;
     MatSorter sorting_vector;
@@ -54,15 +54,15 @@ void printMats(MatMap &mat, std::vector<DFHack::t_matgloss> &materials)
     {
         if(it->first >= materials.size())
         {
-            dfout << "Bad index: " << it->first << " out of " <<  materials.size() << endl;
+            con << "Bad index: " << it->first << " out of " <<  materials.size() << endl;
             continue;
         }
         DFHack::t_matgloss mat = materials[it->first];
-        dfout << std::setw(25) << mat.id << " : " << it->second << std::endl;
+        con << std::setw(25) << mat.id << " : " << it->second << std::endl;
         total += it->second;
     }
 
-    dfout << ">>> TOTAL = " << total << std::endl << std::endl;
+    con << ">>> TOTAL = " << total << std::endl << std::endl;
 }
 DFhackCExport command_result prospector (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters);
 
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result prospector (DFHack::Core * c, vector <string> & par
     DFHack::Maps *maps = c->getMaps();
     if (!maps->Start())
     {
-        dfout << "Cannot get map info!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Cannot get map info!" << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
@@ -108,13 +108,13 @@ DFhackCExport command_result prospector (DFHack::Core * c, vector <string> & par
     DFHack::Materials *mats = c->getMaterials();
     if (!mats->ReadInorganicMaterials())
     {
-        dfout << "Unable to read inorganic material definitons!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unable to read inorganic material definitons!" << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     if (showPlants && !mats->ReadOrganicMaterials())
     {
-        dfout << "Unable to read organic material definitons; plants won't be listed!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unable to read organic material definitons; plants won't be listed!" << std::endl;
         showPlants = false;
     }
 
@@ -134,21 +134,21 @@ DFhackCExport command_result prospector (DFHack::Core * c, vector <string> & par
 
     if (!(showSlade && maps->ReadGlobalFeatures(globalFeatures)))
     {
-        dfout << "Unable to read global features; slade won't be listed!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unable to read global features; slade won't be listed!" << std::endl;
     }
 
     if (!maps->ReadLocalFeatures(localFeatures))
     {
-        dfout << "Unable to read local features; adamantine "
-              << (showTemple ? "and demon temples " : "")
-              << "won't be listed!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unable to read local features; adamantine "
+               << (showTemple ? "and demon temples " : "")
+               << "won't be listed!" << std::endl;
     }
 
     uint32_t vegCount = 0;
     DFHack::Vegetation *veg = c->getVegetation();
     if (showPlants && !veg->Start())
     {
-        dfout << "Unable to read vegetation; plants won't be listed!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unable to read vegetation; plants won't be listed!" << std::endl;
     }
 
     for(uint32_t z = 0; z < z_max; z++)
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result prospector (DFHack::Core * c, vector <string> & par
 
                         if (!info)
                         {
-                            dfout << "Bad type: " << type << std::endl;
+                            c->con << "Bad type: " << type << std::endl;
                             continue;
                         }
 
@@ -306,39 +306,39 @@ DFhackCExport command_result prospector (DFHack::Core * c, vector <string> & par
 
     MatMap::const_iterator it;
 
-    dfout << "Base materials:" << std::endl;
+    c->con << "Base materials:" << std::endl;
     for (it = baseMats.begin(); it != baseMats.end(); ++it)
     {
-        dfout << std::setw(25) << DFHack::TileMaterialString[it->first] << " : " << it->second << std::endl;
+        c->con << std::setw(25) << DFHack::TileMaterialString[it->first] << " : " << it->second << std::endl;
     }
 
-    dfout << std::endl << "Layer materials:" << std::endl;
-    printMats(layerMats, mats->inorganic);
+    c->con << std::endl << "Layer materials:" << std::endl;
+    printMats(c->con, layerMats, mats->inorganic);
 
-    dfout << "Vein materials:" << std::endl;
-    printMats(veinMats, mats->inorganic);
+    c->con << "Vein materials:" << std::endl;
+    printMats(c->con, veinMats, mats->inorganic);
 
     if (showPlants)
     {
-        dfout << "Shrubs:" << std::endl;
-        printMats(plantMats, mats->organic);
-        dfout << "Wood in trees:" << std::endl;
-        printMats(treeMats, mats->organic);
+        c->con << "Shrubs:" << std::endl;
+        printMats(c->con, plantMats, mats->organic);
+        c->con << "Wood in trees:" << std::endl;
+        printMats(c->con, treeMats, mats->organic);
     }
 
     if (hasAquifer)
     {
-        dfout << "Has aquifer" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Has aquifer" << std::endl;
     }
 
     if (hasDemonTemple)
     {
-        dfout << "Has demon temple" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Has demon temple" << std::endl;
     }
 
     if (hasLair)
     {
-        dfout << "Has lair" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Has lair" << std::endl;
     }
 
     // Cleanup
@@ -349,6 +349,6 @@ DFhackCExport command_result prospector (DFHack::Core * c, vector <string> & par
     mats->Finish();
     maps->Finish();
     c->Resume();
-    dfout << std::endl;
+    c->con << std::endl;
     return CR_OK;
 }
diff --git a/plugins/reveal.cpp b/plugins/reveal.cpp
index 01cefb0de..474cdee50 100644
--- a/plugins/reveal.cpp
+++ b/plugins/reveal.cpp
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result reveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string> &
 
     if(revealed != NOT_REVEALED)
     {
-        dfout << "Map is already revealed or this is a different map." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Map is already revealed or this is a different map." << std::endl;
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
 
@@ -115,20 +115,20 @@ DFhackCExport command_result reveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string> &
     World->ReadGameMode(gm);
     if(gm.g_mode != GAMEMODE_DWARF)
     {
-        dfout << "Only in fortress mode." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Only in fortress mode." << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     if(!Maps->Start())
     {
-        dfout << "Can't init map." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Can't init map." << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
 
     if(no_hell && !Maps->StartFeatures())
     {
-        dfout << "Unable to read local features; can't reveal map safely" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unable to read local features; can't reveal map safely" << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
@@ -175,10 +175,10 @@ DFhackCExport command_result reveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string> &
         World->SetPauseState(true);
     }
     c->Resume();
-    dfout << "Map revealed." << std::endl;
+    c->con << "Map revealed." << std::endl;
     if(!no_hell)
-        dfout << "Unpausing can unleash the forces of hell, so it has been temporarily disabled." << std::endl;
-    dfout << "Run 'unreveal' to revert to previous state." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Unpausing can unleash the forces of hell, so it has been temporarily disabled." << std::endl;
+    c->con << "Run 'unreveal' to revert to previous state." << std::endl;
     return CR_OK;
 }
 
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result unreveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string>
     DFHack::designations40d designations;
     if(!revealed)
     {
-        dfout << "There's nothing to revert!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "There's nothing to revert!" << std::endl;
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     c->Suspend();
@@ -197,14 +197,14 @@ DFhackCExport command_result unreveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string>
     World->ReadGameMode(gm);
     if(gm.g_mode != GAMEMODE_DWARF)
     {
-        dfout << "Only in fortress mode." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Only in fortress mode." << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     Maps = c->getMaps();
     if(!Maps->Start())
     {
-        dfout << "Can't init map." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Can't init map." << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result unreveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string>
     Maps->getSize(x_max_b,y_max_b,z_max_b);
     if(x_max != x_max_b || y_max != y_max_b || z_max != z_max_b)
     {
-        dfout << "The map is not of the same size..." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "The map is not of the same size..." << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result unreveal(DFHack::Core * c, std::vector<std::string>
     // give back memory.
     hidesaved.clear();
     revealed = NOT_REVEALED;
-    dfout << "Map hidden!" << std::endl;
+    c->con << "Map hidden!" << std::endl;
     c->Resume();
     return CR_OK;
 }
diff --git a/plugins/vdig.cpp b/plugins/vdig.cpp
index 934825fbc..5fcbed96c 100644
--- a/plugins/vdig.cpp
+++ b/plugins/vdig.cpp
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result vdig (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     // init the map
     if(!Maps->Start())
     {
-        dfout << "Can't init map. Make sure you have a map loaded in DF." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Can't init map. Make sure you have a map loaded in DF.\n";
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
@@ -61,14 +61,14 @@ DFhackCExport command_result vdig (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     Gui->getCursorCoords(cx,cy,cz);
     while(cx == -30000)
     {
-        dfout << "Cursor is not active. Point the cursor at a vein." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Cursor is not active. Point the cursor at a vein.\n";
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     DFHack::DFCoord xy ((uint32_t)cx,(uint32_t)cy,cz);
     if(xy.x == 0 || xy.x == tx_max - 1 || xy.y == 0 || xy.y == ty_max - 1)
     {
-        dfout << "I won't dig the borders. That would be cheating!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "I won't dig the borders. That would be cheating!\n";
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
@@ -78,12 +78,12 @@ DFhackCExport command_result vdig (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     int16_t veinmat = MCache->veinMaterialAt(xy);
     if( veinmat == -1 )
     {
-        dfout << "This tile is not a vein." << std::endl;
+        c->con << "This tile is not a vein.\n";
         delete MCache;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
-    fprintf(dfout_C,"%d/%d/%d tiletype: %d, veinmat: %d, designation: 0x%x ... DIGGING!\n", cx,cy,cz, tt, veinmat, des.whole);
+    c->con.print("%d/%d/%d tiletype: %d, veinmat: %d, designation: 0x%x ... DIGGING!\n", cx,cy,cz, tt, veinmat, des.whole);
     stack <DFHack::DFCoord> flood;
     flood.push(xy);
 
diff --git a/plugins/weather.cpp b/plugins/weather.cpp
index cf2833ab4..0e2ed180b 100644
--- a/plugins/weather.cpp
+++ b/plugins/weather.cpp
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result weather (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     }
     if(lock && unlock)
     {
-        dfout << "Lock or unlock? DECIDE!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Lock or unlock? DECIDE!" << std::endl;
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     int cnt = 0;
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ DFhackCExport command_result weather (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     cnt += clear;
     if(cnt > 1)
     {
-        dfout << "Rain, snow or clear sky? DECIDE!" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Rain, snow or clear sky? DECIDE!" << std::endl;
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     bool something = lock || unlock || rain || snow || clear;
@@ -75,14 +75,14 @@ DFhackCExport command_result weather (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
     DFHack::World * w = c->getWorld();
     if(!w->wmap)
     {
-        dfout << "Weather support seems broken :(" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Weather support seems broken :(" << std::endl;
         c->Resume();
         return CR_FAILURE;
     }
     if(!something)
     {
         // paint weather map
-        dfout << "Weather map (C = clear, R = rain, S = snow):" << std::endl;
+        c->con << "Weather map (C = clear, R = rain, S = snow):" << std::endl;
         for(int y = 0; y<5;y++)
         {
             for(int x = 0; x<5;x++)
@@ -90,20 +90,20 @@ DFhackCExport command_result weather (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
                 switch((*w->wmap)[x][y])
                 {
                     case DFHack::CLEAR:
-                        dfout << "C ";
+                        c->con << "C ";
                         break;
                     case DFHack::RAINING:
-                        dfout << "R ";
+                        c->con << "R ";
                         break;
                     case DFHack::SNOWING:
-                        dfout << "S ";
+                        c->con << "S ";
                         break;
                     default:
-                        dfout << (int) (*w->wmap)[x][y] << " ";
+                        c->con << (int) (*w->wmap)[x][y] << " ";
                         break;
                 }
             }
-            dfout << std::endl;
+            c->con << std::endl;
         }
     }
     else
@@ -111,17 +111,17 @@ DFhackCExport command_result weather (Core * c, vector <string> & parameters)
         // weather changing action!
         if(rain)
         {
-            dfout << "Here comes the rain." << std::endl;
+            c->con << "Here comes the rain." << std::endl;
             w->SetCurrentWeather(RAINING);
         }
         if(snow)
         {
-            dfout << "Snow everywhere!" << std::endl;
+            c->con << "Snow everywhere!" << std::endl;
             w->SetCurrentWeather(SNOWING);
         }
         if(clear)
         {
-            dfout << "Suddenly, sunny weather!" << std::endl;
+            c->con << "Suddenly, sunny weather!" << std::endl;
             w->SetCurrentWeather(CLEAR);
         }
         // FIXME: weather lock needs map ID to work reliably... needs to be implemented.