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Speech - Wurt

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_wurt.lua file defines dialogue responses for Wurt, the young merm character. Generated via PropagateSpeech.bat from Wilson's master template, Wurt's speech reflects her aquatic nature, childlike enthusiasm, and merm-specific communication patterns including unique vocalizations and imperfect grammar.

Character Personality

Speech Characteristics

  • Aquatic focus: Water-related terminology and merm perspective
  • Childlike energy: Enthusiastic and impatient expressions
  • Imperfect grammar: Simple sentence structure and basic vocabulary
  • Merm vocalizations: Unique sounds like "florp", "glurt", "glurph"
  • Direct communication: Straightforward, honest expressions

Language Patterns

  • Merm-specific vocalizations ("florp", "glurt", "glurph", "florpt")
  • Simple grammar and short sentences
  • Water and fish-related terminology
  • Impatient expressions and demands
  • Direct, childlike honesty

Speech Structure

Primary Categories

ACTIONFAIL Responses

ACTIONFAIL = {
GENERIC = {
ITEMMIMIC = "Bad tricker!",
},
ACTIVATE = {
LOCKED_GATE = "Grrr... want in!",
HOSTBUSY = "Hey! Trying to talk to you!",
EMPTY_CATCOONDEN = "Glargh... no stuff in there, where they hide it?!",
},
CHANGEIN = {
GENERIC = "Don't wanna, florp.",
BURNING = "Nope!",
NOTENOUGHHAIR = "Big fuzzy not fuzzy enough!",
}
}

Character Responses

CHARACTERS = {
GENERIC = "Oh! Hello there, %s!",
ATTACKER = "Why %s being mean?!",
MURDERER = "Stay away from me, %s!",
REVIVER = "Thank you, %s!",
GHOST = "%s looks see-through, florp!",
}

Wurt-Specific Elements

-- Merm vocalizations
ANNOUNCE_HUNGRY = "Want food! Glort!",
ANNOUNCE_COLD = "Brrr! Too cold for scales!",

-- Aquatic references
DESCRIBE = {
POND = "Nice water! Like home!",
FISH = "Hello little swimmy friend!",
OCEAN = "Big water! Best water!",
}

Unique Character Elements

Merm Vocalizations

  • "Florp" - General exclamation or filler
  • "Glurt/Glurph" - Expressions of confusion or effort
  • "Florpt" - Emphatic exclamation
  • "Glargh" - Frustration or annoyance

Aquatic Perspective

  • Strong preference for water and aquatic environments
  • Understanding of fish and marine life
  • Discomfort in dry or landlocked areas
  • Merm cultural references

Childlike Nature

  • Impatient demands and expressions
  • Simple, direct communication
  • Enthusiasm for new experiences
  • Honest emotional expressions

Rift 5 Content

Wurt's responses to new Rift 5 mechanics with her characteristic merm vocalizations:

-- Rift 5 - New floating mechanics with aquatic enthusiasm
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_HELD = "See? Me best floater."
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_LETGO = "Glurph!"
ANNOUNCE_LUNARGUARDIAN_INCOMING = "Flort! It baaack!"

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 Wurt's vocabulary level
  • Maintains aquatic perspective and merm vocalizations

Character-Specific Overrides

-- Wurt's merm responses override Wilson's human ones
DESCRIBE = {
MERM = "Other Mermfolk! Hello!",
MERMHEAD = "Poor Mermfolk friend...",
KELP = "Tasty sea snacks!",
}

Speech Categories

Action Failures

  • Locked/Blocked: Frustrated demands with merm vocalizations
  • Equipment Issues: Direct complaints about problems
  • Timing Problems: Impatient responses with childlike frustration

Environmental Reactions

  • Water: Enthusiastic recognition and comfort
  • Land: Tolerance but preference for aquatic environments
  • Weather: Direct expressions of comfort or discomfort

Item Interactions

  • Aquatic items: Special appreciation and understanding
  • Food: Direct hunger expressions and taste preferences
  • Tools: Basic understanding with merm perspective

Development Notes

Character Voice Guidelines

  1. Include merm vocalizations: Use "florp", "glurt", "glurph" naturally
  2. Maintain simple grammar: Keep sentences short and basic
  3. Express aquatic perspective: Show preference for water and marine life
  4. Show childlike impatience: Include demands and enthusiastic expressions
  5. Use direct communication: Avoid complex or subtle expressions

Dialogue Patterns

  • Short sentences with basic grammar
  • Merm vocalizations as exclamations or fillers
  • Direct emotional expressions
  • Water and fish-related terminology
  • Impatient demands and complaints

Quality Assurance

Character Consistency Checks

  • Merm vocalizations appropriately included
  • Simple grammar maintained throughout
  • Aquatic perspective reflected in responses
  • Childlike impatience expressed naturally
  • Direct communication style preserved

Technical Validation

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

Similar Personality Types

  • Wormwood: Shared simple vocabulary and direct communication
  • Walter: Different focus but similar childlike enthusiasm
  • Webber: Childlike perspective though different cultural background

Contrasting Characters

  • Wickerbottom: Opposite vocabulary complexity and academic approach
  • Maxwell: Contrasting sophistication and communication style
  • Wanda: Different urgency motivations and expression style

Usage Context

In-Game Application

  • Dialogue appears during player actions and interactions
  • Responses reflect Wurt's merm nature and childlike personality
  • Character voice enhances her aquatic outsider identity

Modding Considerations

  • Speech system allows for character-specific dialogue additions
  • Fallback system ensures compatibility
  • Character voice must maintain merm vocalizations and simple grammar

This documentation provides comprehensive coverage of Wurt's speech system, emphasizing her aquatic nature, childlike enthusiasm, and unique merm communication patterns that define her character in Don't Starve Together.