Speech - Wormwood

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_wormwood.lua file defines dialogue responses for Wormwood, the sentient plant character. Generated via PropagateSpeech.bat from Wilson's master template, Wormwood's speech reflects his simple vocabulary, plant-based perspective, and childlike wonder about the world.

Character Personality

Speech Characteristics

• Limited vocabulary: Simple words and short sentences
• Plant perspective: Views world through botanical lens
• Innocent nature: Childlike curiosity and wonder
• Friend-focused: Refers to other beings as "friends"
• Fire aversion: Strong negative reactions to fire and burning

Language Patterns

• Short, simple sentences
• Basic grammar structure
• Plant-related terminology
• "Friend" references for other entities
• Exclamations and simple emotions

Speech Structure

Primary Categories

ACTIONFAIL Responses

ACTIONFAIL = {
    GENERIC = {
        ITEMMIMIC = "Wrong friend!",
    },
    ACTIVATE = {
        LOCKED_GATE = "Nope. Locked",
        HOSTBUSY = "Big Tweeter busy",
        EMPTY_CATCOONDEN = "No friend inside",
    },
    CHANGEIN = {
        GENERIC = "Not now",
        BURNING = "Fire! Don't like fire!",
        NOTENOUGHHAIR = "Not fuzzy enough",
    }
}

Character Responses

CHARACTERS = {
    GENERIC = "Hello, friend %s!",
    ATTACKER = "Why hurt Wormwood?!",
    MURDERER = "Bad friend! Very bad!",
    REVIVER = "Thank you, friend %s!",
    GHOST = "Friend %s looks pale...",
}

Wormwood-Specific Elements

-- Plant-focused responses
DESCRIBE = {
    FLOWER = "Pretty friend!",
    TREE = "Hello, tree friend!",
    FIRE = "No no no! Bad fire!",
}

-- Simple vocabulary patterns
ANNOUNCE_HUNGRY = "Belly empty",
ANNOUNCE_COLD = "Brrr! Too cold!",

Unique Character Elements

Limited Vocabulary

• Uses simple, basic words
• Avoids complex sentence structures
• Direct, honest communication style
• Childlike expressions

Plant Perspective

• Views other plants as friends and family
• Strong aversion to fire and burning
• Understanding of botanical needs
• Connection to natural world

Innocent Nature

• Curious about new experiences
• Trusting of others initially
• Simple emotional expressions
• Wonder at world around him

Rift 5 Content

Wormwood's responses to new Rift 5 mechanics with his characteristic plant-like simplicity:

-- Rift 5 - New floating mechanics with innocent plant observations
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_HELD = "Good baby floater"
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_LETGO = "Bye, baby flo-"
ANNOUNCE_LUNARGUARDIAN_INCOMING = "Night Ball ball back!"

Technical Implementation

File Structure

-- Generated via PropagateSpeech.bat
return {
    ACTIONFAIL = { ... },
    ANNOUNCE_BEES = "...",
    ANNOUNCE_BOOMERANG = "...",
    -- [Additional speech categories]
    DESCRIBE = { ... },
    ACTIONFAIL_GENERIC = { ... }
}

Fallback System

• Uses Wilson's responses as fallback when no specific dialogue exists
• Simplifies language to match Wormwood's vocabulary level
• Maintains plant-focused perspective throughout

Character-Specific Overrides

-- Wormwood's simple responses override Wilson's complex ones
DESCRIBE = {
    LIVINGLOG = "Spooky tree friend",
    DEERCLOPS = "Big scary friend!",
    BUTTERFLY = "Flying friend!",
}

Speech Categories

Action Failures

• Locked/Blocked: Simple acknowledgment with basic words
• Equipment Issues: Direct statements about problems
• Timing Problems: Patient but simple responses

Environmental Reactions

• Fire: Strong negative reactions and fear
• Plants: Positive recognition and friendship
• Weather: Simple comfort or discomfort expressions

Item Interactions

• Plants: Enthusiastic recognition of plant-based items
• Tools: Basic understanding of function
• Food: Simple hunger and taste responses

Development Notes

Character Voice Guidelines

1. Keep vocabulary simple: Use basic words and short sentences
2. Maintain plant perspective: View world through botanical lens
3. Express innocence: Show childlike wonder and curiosity
4. Use "friend" references: Refer to other entities as friends
5. Show fire aversion: Strong negative reactions to burning

Dialogue Patterns

• Short sentences without complex grammar
• Simple emotional expressions
• Direct, honest communication
• Plant-related terminology when appropriate
• Exclamations for strong emotions

Quality Assurance

Character Consistency Checks

• Simple vocabulary maintained throughout
• Plant perspective reflected in responses
• Friend references appropriately used
• Fire aversion consistently expressed
• Innocent tone preserved in all interactions

Technical Validation

• Proper Lua table structure maintained
• Fallback system functions correctly
• Character-specific overrides implemented
• Speech categories complete and functional

Related Characters

Similar Personality Types

• Walter: Shared innocence and wonder, though different knowledge base
• Webber: Childlike perspective and simple communication style
• Wendy: Different emotional spectrum but similar directness

Contrasting Characters

• Wickerbottom: Opposite vocabulary complexity and academic approach
• Maxwell: Contrasting sophistication and condescension
• WX-78: Different communication style and worldview

Usage Context

In-Game Application

• Dialogue appears during player actions and interactions
• Responses reflect Wormwood's plant nature and limited vocabulary
• Character voice enhances his innocent, plant-based personality

Modding Considerations

• Speech system allows for character-specific dialogue additions
• Fallback system ensures compatibility
• Character voice must maintain simple vocabulary and plant perspective

This documentation provides comprehensive coverage of Wormwood's speech system, emphasizing his simple vocabulary, plant-based perspective, and innocent nature that defines his character in Don't Starve Together.