Skip to main content

Wickerbottom Speech

Version History​

Build VersionChange DateChange TypeDescription
6763122025-06-25modifiedAdded Rift 5 speech lines: ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_HELD, ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_LETGO
6760422025-06-21stablePrevious 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

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.