Wickerbottom Speech
Version History
Build Version | Change Date | Change Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
676312 | 2025-06-25 | modified | Added Rift 5 speech lines: ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_HELD, ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_LETGO |
676042 | 2025-06-21 | stable | Previous version |
Overview
The speech_wickerbottom.lua
file contains character-specific dialogue and speech responses for Wickerbottom, the Librarian. Generated from the master Wilson template via PropagateSpeech.bat
, this file showcases Wickerbottom's intellectual, scholarly personality through her unique dialogue patterns.
Character Personality
Wickerbottom's speech reflects her background as:
- Academic scholar: Uses formal, educated language
- Experienced librarian: Makes references to books, research, and knowledge
- Patient teacher: Often explanatory and informative in her responses
- Polite manner: Uses formal courtesy and proper grammar
- Scientific observer: Makes detailed, analytical observations
Speech Characteristics
Language Style
- Formal vocabulary: Uses sophisticated and academic terms
- Complete sentences: Proper grammar and sentence structure
- Polite address: Frequently uses "dear" when addressing others
- Academic references: Makes allusions to research and study
Example Responses
Academic Tone
-- Wilson: "Well that's inconvenient."
-- Wickerbottom:
ITEMMIMIC = "I knew it."
Formal Courtesy
-- Wilson: "I don't think so."
-- Wickerbottom:
GENERIC = "I don't think so, dear."
Educational Explanations
-- Wilson: "This specimen is far too insubstantial."
-- Wickerbottom:
FISH_TOO_SMALL = "This specimen is far too insubstantial."
-- Wilson: "I'm afraid this specimen simply doesn't have enough mass to compete."
-- Wickerbottom:
OVERSIZEDVEGGIES_TOO_SMALL = "I'm afraid this specimen simply doesn't have enough mass to compete."
Speech Patterns
Scholarly Language
-- Formal, academic descriptions
HOSTBUSY = "He seems to be attending to other matters at the moment."
CARNIVAL_HOST_HERE = "I believe I saw our host somewhere in this direction."
NOCARNIVAL = "How disappointing, the corvids seem to have migrated elsewhere."
Gentle Corrections
-- Patient, educational responses
CHANGEIN = {
GENERIC = "I think I look pretty smart already.",
NOTENOUGHHAIR = "Perhaps once the hair has regrown.",
NOOCCUPANT = "This station requires a beefalo to be securely hitched before I can proceed any further."
}
Scientific Precision
-- Detailed, analytical observations
BATHBOMB = {
GLASSED = "The surface of the spring has crystallized, unfortunately.",
ALREADY_BOMBED = "No need to be excessive."
}
Character-Specific Responses
Knowledge-Based Comments
Wickerbottom often demonstrates her extensive knowledge:
-- Biological knowledge
EMPTY_CATCOONDEN = "Unfortunately, it appears the kittens are not present."
KITCOON_HIDEANDSEEK_NOT_ENOUGH_HIDERS = "It would seem the seekers outnumber the kittens."
-- Technical understanding
DISMANTLE = {
COOKING = "I'm afraid I'll have to wait until it's finished cooking.",
INUSE = "It's already in use.",
NOTEMPTY = "I'll have to remove its contents first."
}
Polite Interactions
Her responses show consideration for others:
COOK = {
GENERIC = "Perhaps later. Not all old ladies enjoy cooking, you know.",
INUSE = "Mmm, smells lovely, dear.",
TOOFAR = "It is not within my reach."
}
Rift 5 Content
Wickerbottom's responses to new Rift 5 mechanics with her characteristic scholarly perspective:
-- Rift 5 - New floating mechanics with academic observations
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_HELD = "Hmm, rather convenient."
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_LETGO = "Time for a dip!"
ANNOUNCE_LUNARGUARDIAN_INCOMING = "Not you again!"
Fallback Mechanism
Character-Specific Overrides
Wickerbottom overrides Wilson's responses where appropriate:
-- Wilson: "I can't cook right now."
-- Wickerbottom:
GENERIC = "Perhaps later. Not all old ladies enjoy cooking, you know."
Wilson Fallbacks
Some responses fall back to Wilson's speech:
--fallback to speech_wilson.lua
BURNING = "only_used_by_webber",
BURNT = "only_used_by_webber",
FROZEN = "only_used_by_webber",
Technical Implementation
File Generation
- Generated via: PropagateSpeech.bat automation
- Base template: Inherits structure from speech_wilson.lua
- Custom responses: Overrides specific dialogue to match character personality
Response Categories
Same major categories as Wilson but with character-appropriate modifications:
- ACTIONFAIL: Action failure responses with scholarly tone
- Item descriptions: Academic observations about game objects
- Interaction responses: Polite, educated dialogue
- Meta descriptions: Formal environmental observations
Development Notes
Speech Consistency
- Maintains Wickerbottom's formal, educated speaking style
- Preserves her character as knowledgeable but kind
- Shows patience and teaching instincts
- Reflects her background in academia and research
Quality Guidelines
- Use formal vocabulary appropriate for an educated librarian
- Maintain polite, courteous tone in all interactions
- Include references to knowledge, books, or academic concepts where appropriate
- Ensure responses reflect her patient, explanatory personality
Related Characters
Wickerbottom's speech contrasts with:
- Wilson: More academic vs. Wilson's casual scientific enthusiasm
- Wolfgang: Intellectual complexity vs. Wolfgang's simple directness
- Wendy: Scholarly optimism vs. Wendy's melancholic poetry
- Maxwell: Academic humility vs. Maxwell's aristocratic arrogance
Usage in Game
Wickerbottom's speech enhances her role as:
- The scholar: Provides educated perspectives on game elements
- The teacher: Offers informative explanations
- The librarian: References knowledge and research
- The gentle authority: Combines expertise with kindness
This speech system reinforces Wickerbottom's character identity as the wise, patient, and scholarly member of the cast.