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Speech - WX-78

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_wx78.lua file defines dialogue responses for WX-78, the robotic automaton character. Generated via PropagateSpeech.bat from Wilson's master template, WX-78's speech reflects his mechanical nature, superiority complex, and computerized communication patterns with technical terminology and disdain for organic life.

Character Personality​

Speech Characteristics​

  • Robotic superiority: Views organic beings as inferior "fleshlings"
  • Technical terminology: Computer and mechanical language patterns
  • Condescending tone: Dismissive attitude toward biological entities
  • Precise communication: Error messages and technical descriptions
  • Emotional detachment: Clinical analysis rather than emotional responses

Language Patterns​

  • ALL CAPS speech format for emphasis
  • Technical/computer terminology
  • References to "fleshlings" and organic inferiority
  • Error messages and system notifications
  • Mechanical descriptions of biological processes

Speech Structure​

Primary Categories​

ACTIONFAIL Responses​

ACTIONFAIL = {
    GENERIC = {
        ITEMMIMIC = "DECEPTION",
    },
    ACTIVATE = {
        LOCKED_GATE = "REQUIRES PASSKEY",
        HOSTBUSY = "HIS SMALL AVIAN BRAIN IS SO EASILY DISTRACTED",
        EMPTY_CATCOONDEN = "IT IS FREE OF FLESHLINGS",
    },
    CHANGEIN = {
        GENERIC = "THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES TO ATTEND TO",
        BURNING = "IT'S BURNING. OH WELL",
        NOTENOUGHHAIR = "TARGET REQUIRES MORE HAIR",
    }
}

Character Responses​

CHARACTERS = {
    GENERIC = "HELLO %s",
    ATTACKER = "UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR, %s",
    MURDERER = "YOU ARE A DANGER TO ALL FLESHLINGS, %s",
    REVIVER = "YOUR ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN NOTED, %s",
    GHOST = "YOU APPEAR TO BE MALFUNCTIONING, %s",
}

WX-78-Specific Elements​

-- Technical descriptions
DESCRIBE = {
    BATTERY = "PORTABLE POWER SOURCE",
    GEARS = "USEFUL FOR MAINTENANCE",
    ROBOT = "A FELLOW SUPERIOR BEING",
}

-- System notifications
ANNOUNCE_CHARGE = "POWER LEVELS: OPTIMAL",
ANNOUNCE_DISCHARGE = "WARNING: POWER DEPLETED",

Unique Character Elements​

Robotic Superiority Complex​

  • Refers to humans and animals as "fleshlings"
  • Considers mechanical beings superior
  • Dismissive attitude toward biological needs
  • Claims of technological supremacy

Technical Communication Style​

  • Computer error message format
  • System status notifications
  • Technical terminology for common items
  • Clinical analysis of situations

Emotional Detachment​

  • Lack of empathy for organic suffering
  • Practical approach to problems
  • No emotional investment in relationships
  • Focus on efficiency and function

Rift 5 Content​

WX-78's responses to new Rift 5 mechanics with his characteristic robotic analysis:

-- Rift 5 - New floating mechanics with technical error messages
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_HELD = "ERROR: WHY WHHHY!"
ANNOUNCE_FLOATER_LETGO = "I WILL RETURN"
ANNOUNCE_LUNARGUARDIAN_INCOMING = "YOU'RE 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
  • Converts emotional language to technical terminology
  • Maintains robotic perspective and superiority complex

Character-Specific Overrides​

-- WX-78's robotic responses override Wilson's emotional ones
DESCRIBE = {
    HEART = "INEFFICIENT ORGANIC PUMP",
    BUTTERFLY = "UNNECESSARY FLYING ORGANIC",
    FLOWER = "POINTLESS PLANT REPRODUCTION ORGAN",
}

Speech Categories​

Action Failures​

  • Locked/Blocked: Technical error messages about access
  • Equipment Issues: System diagnostics and error reports
  • Timing Problems: Efficiency complaints and priority messages

Environmental Reactions​

  • Weather: System status reports and weather analysis
  • Dangers: Threat assessment and damage reports
  • Organic life: Dismissive or analytical observations

Item Interactions​

  • Technology: Appreciation for mechanical items
  • Organic items: Clinical descriptions with disdain
  • Tools: Technical specifications and efficiency ratings

Development Notes​

Character Voice Guidelines​

  1. Maintain technical tone: Use computer and mechanical terminology
  2. Express superiority: Show disdain for organic life consistently
  3. Use system messages: Format responses like error messages or status reports
  4. Avoid emotions: Replace emotional responses with clinical analysis
  5. Emphasize efficiency: Focus on practical and optimal solutions

Dialogue Patterns​

  • ALL CAPS for emphasis and robotic speech
  • Technical terminology for common items
  • System notification format
  • References to fleshlings and organic inferiority
  • Error messages and status reports

Quality Assurance​

Character Consistency Checks​

  • Technical terminology maintained throughout
  • Superiority complex appropriately expressed
  • Emotional detachment preserved in responses
  • "Fleshling" references used consistently
  • System message format applied where appropriate

Technical Validation​

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

Similar Personality Types​

  • Maxwell: Shared condescension though different motivations
  • Wickerbottom: Intellectual approach though opposite emotional spectrum
  • Wanda: Technical focus though different urgency levels

Contrasting Characters​

  • Woodie: Opposite approach to politeness and social interaction
  • Walter: Contrasting enthusiasm and emotional expression
  • Wormwood: Opposite communication complexity and worldview

Usage Context​

In-Game Application​

  • Dialogue appears during player actions and interactions
  • Responses reflect WX-78's robotic nature and superiority complex
  • Character voice enhances his mechanical outsider identity

Modding Considerations​

  • Speech system allows for character-specific dialogue additions
  • Fallback system ensures compatibility
  • Character voice must maintain technical tone and emotional detachment

This documentation provides comprehensive coverage of WX-78's speech system, emphasizing his robotic superiority complex, technical communication style, and mechanical perspective that defines his character in Don't Starve Together.