Interaction token

xTATTEREDx  · +FINE+  · *SUPERIOR*  · ≡EXCEPTIONAL≡  · ☼MASTERWORK☼

v50.14 · v0.47.05 This article is about the current version of DF. Note that some content may still need to be updated. More Info · V

The following tokens can be used to define and use interactions. (It appears that, at least in order to make the big list make a little more sense, some examples of those may be necessary.)

Definitions

Token	Context	Arguments	Description
INTERACTION	Global	ID	Used to start defining a new interaction. The term "interaction ID" refers to the text specified within this token; this is used to make reference to the interaction in various other places.
EXPERIMENT_ONLY	Global		Disallows use of the interaction in play, but if the interaction animates or resurrects corpses, or has an I_SOURCE:EXPERIMENT tag, it can be used in worldgen. Animation and resurrection interactions do not need I_SOURCE:EXPERIMENT to work in worldgen.
I_SOURCE	Global	type	Defines what things are capable of triggering this interaction - multiple sources may be specified. Valid values: CREATURE_ACTION - Specifies that the interaction may be used in conjunction with [CAN_DO_INTERACTION] and [CE_CAN_DO_INTERACTION], but it isn't actually necessary for this. It might exist simply to allow for the inclusion of IS_ tokens (detailed below) to be applied when the interaction is used in this context. ATTACK - Allows the interaction to be used in conjunction with [SPECIALATTACK_INTERACTION] and [CE_SPECIAL_ATTACK_INTERACTION]. INGESTION - Allows the interaction to be used in conjunction with [CE_BODY_MAT_INTERACTION]. DEITY - Allows the interaction to be inflicted upon mortals by the gods, for reasons dictated by [IS_USAGE_HINT]. SECRET - Allows the interaction to act as a secret which can be learnt and passed on to others, as specified via [IS_SECRET]. Appropriate interaction effects with a creature target will be applied to individuals who learn the secret. It is possible to set restrictions on who may learn the secret by using creature target tokens as described below. Also see [IS_SECRET_GOAL] and [IS_SPHERE]. REGION - Allows the interaction to take place spontaneously in regions specified using [IS_REGION]. Also see [IS_FREQUENCY] and [IE_INTERMITTENT]. DISTURBANCE - Allows the interaction to take place spontaneously in disturbed tombs; generated interactions with this token are used to create mummies. UNDERGROUND_SPECIAL - Allows the interaction to take place spontaneously in curious underground structures (which no longer generate); generated interactions with this token used to be used to produce zombies when creating the structure's inhabitants. EXPERIMENT - This can be used by NIGHT_CREATURE_EXPERIMENTERs while "performing horrible experiments" in worldgen. Only seems relevant for interactions that target living creatures. Note that all NIGHT_CREATURE_EXPERIMENTERs have access to generated experiments, and due to the large number of generated experiments available custom experiment interactions will tend to show up very rarely.
IS_HIST_STRING_1	Within I_SOURCE	text	Describes what the interaction did to a historical figure; this is displayed in legends mode following the name of the historical figure who performed the interaction and preceding the name of the targeted historical figure (or, in the case of [I_SOURCE:INGESTION], the historical figure from whom the consumed material was extracted). [IS_HIST_STRING_1: cursed]
IS_HIST_STRING_2	Within I_SOURCE	text	Describes what the interaction did to a historical figure; this is displayed in legends mode after the name of the historical figure who was targeted by the interaction. In the case of [I_SOURCE:INGESTION], it is displayed after the name of the historical figure from whom the consumed material was extracted. [IS_HIST_STRING_2: to assume the form of a lizard-like monster every full moon]
IS_TRIGGER_STRING	Within I_SOURCE	text	Displayed as an announcement when the interaction is carried out during play. The text follows the name of the target unit, and is preceded by IS_TRIGGER_STRING_SECOND or IS_TRIGGER_STRING_THIRD. May be limited to [I_SOURCE:DEITY] and [I_SOURCE:EXPERIMENT] interactions at present; this still needs to be tested. [IS_TRIGGER_STRING: been infected with a contagious ghoulish condition]
IS_TRIGGER_STRING_SECOND	Within I_SOURCE	text	Presented before the IS_TRIGGER_STRING when describing the event in the second person. [IS_TRIGGER_STRING_SECOND: have]
IS_TRIGGER_STRING_THIRD	Within I_SOURCE	text	Presented before the IS_TRIGGER_STRING when describing the event in the third person. [IS_TRIGGER_STRING_THIRD: has]
IS_NAME	Within I_SOURCE	string	Generally used with [I_SOURCE:SECRET] interactions to describe what the secret is about (though it may be used to name any I_SOURCE). This name is engraved onto the appropriate secret-containing slabs from worldgen, and is used in legends mode when describing the secret being learnt by historical figures. [IS_NAME:the secrets of life and death]
IS_SPHERE	Within I_SOURCE:SECRET	sphere	Indicates the sphere to which this secret pertains. Only one sphere can be defined for each [I_SOURCE:SECRET] token, so several [I_SOURCE:SECRET] tokens are required to make a secret belong to multiple spheres.
IS_SECRET_GOAL	Within I_SOURCE:SECRET	Secret Goal token	Indicates why somebody would want to learn the secret. Valid values: STAY_ALIVE MAINTAIN_ENTITY_STATUS START_A_FAMILY RULE_THE_WORLD CREATE_A_GREAT_WORK_OF_ART CRAFT_A_MASTERWORK BRING_PEACE_TO_THE_WORLD BECOME_A_LEGENDARY_WARRIOR MASTER_A_SKILL FALL_IN_LOVE SEE_THE_GREAT_NATURAL_SITES IMMORTALITY MAKE_A_GREAT_DISCOVERY ATTAIN_RANK_IN_SOCIETY BATHE_WORLD_IN_CHAOS However, currently only IMMORTALITY will result in a secret being pursued during worldgen.
IS_SECRET	Within I_SOURCE:SECRET	Secret Flag	Indicates how the secret can be learned. Valid values: SUPERNATURAL_LEARNING_POSSIBLE - gods may gift the secret to their worshippers. Secrets with [IS_SPHERE] specified may only be granted by gods who have at least one matching sphere. MUNDANE_RESEARCH_POSSIBLE - the secret can be researched by mundane means. This doesn't do anything at present. [1]. MUNDANE_TEACHING_POSSIBLE - the secret can be taught to apprentices MUNDANE_RECORDING_POSSIBLE:TITLE_SET:NAME_SET - the secret can be written in books whose title and name are taken from the specified text sets. If this tag is present, a slab will be created upon learning the secret by supernatural means.
IS_USAGE_HINT	Within I_SOURCE:DEITY	Usage Hint token	Indicates why a deity would choose to perform this interaction. See CDI:USAGE_HINT below for valid values - in this context, MINOR_BLESSING, MEDIUM_BLESSING, MINOR_CURSE, MEDIUM_CURSE, and MAJOR_CURSE are the only values that make sense.
IS_REGION	Within I_SOURCE:REGION	Region type	Indicates what types of regions are capable of performing this interaction. This token may be specified several times per I_SOURCE to permit multiple terrain/alignment types. Valid values: ANY permits the interaction to occur in all regions, regardless of terrain or alignment Terrain: DESERT FOREST GLACIER GRASSLAND HILLS LAKE MOUNTAINS OCEAN SWAMP TUNDRA ANY_TERRAIN permits the interaction to occur in all regions which meet alignment specifications Alignment: NORMAL_ALLOWED EVIL_ALLOWED GOOD_ALLOWED SAVAGE_ALLOWED EVIL_ONLY GOOD_ONLY SAVAGE_ONLY
IS_FREQUENCY	Within I_SOURCE	Probability	When used with [I_SOURCE:REGION], determines how likely it is for the region(s) specified via [IS_REGION] to possess this interaction. Note: it appears that regions aren't allowed to possess more than a single regional interaction at present.
I_TARGET	Global	ID, type	Defines the targets available for subsequent use with [I_EFFECT] tokens. Multiple targets may be specified; the precise target(s) used with each interaction effect are indicated via their ID (see [IE_TARGET]). Valid values: CORPSE - The target is a CORPSE or CORPSEPIECE item. CREATURE - The target is a unit. MATERIAL - This is a valid target for use in [I_EFFECT:MATERIAL_EMISSION] interaction effects, and is used to set the material or flow type of the emission. This information, in turn, is either obtained from an [IT_MATERIAL] token or by using [IT_LOCATION:CONTEXT_MATERIAL]. Using the latter implies that the precise emission info will be provided when defining how an interaction user can use the interaction in question via CDI tokens, enabling one to create 'template' material emission interactions such as the MATERIAL_EMISSION and MATERIAL_EMISSION_WITH_HIDE interactions included in the vanilla raws. LOCATION - The target is a local map tile. If used with [IT_LOCATION:CONTEXT_CREATURE_OR_LOCATION], creatures at the target tile are also valid targets.
IT_LOCATION	Within I_TARGET	Location	This is often included after [I_TARGET] token to add more detail about the target. Valid values: CONTEXT_CREATURE - Used with CREATURE to target the whole unit. CONTEXT_BP - Used with CREATURE to target the body part specified in [CDI:BP_REQUIRED]. CONTEXT_LOCATION - Used with LOCATION to target only a tile. CONTEXT_CREATURE_OR_LOCATION - Used with LOCATION to allow for targetting of both creatures and tiles. CONTEXT_ITEM - Used with CORPSE. CONTEXT_REGION - Can only be used by [I_SOURCE:REGION] interactions. CONTEXT_MATERIAL - Used with MATERIAL if you want an [I_EFFECT:MATERIAL_EMISSION] to obtain the emission material/flow type from [CDI:MATERIAL] or [CDI:FLOW]. RANDOM_NEARBY_LOCATION - Used with LOCATION. Targets a location from somewhere random within a number of squares from another LOCATION target specified by its target ID. For example, [I_TARGET:B:LOCATION] with [IT_LOCATION:RANDOM_NEARBY_LOCATION:A:5] will randomly select a tile lying somewhere within a radius of 5 tiles from [I_TARGET:A:LOCATION]. A walkable path between the two locations must exist.
IT_MANUAL_INPUT	Within I_TARGET	text	Tells the adventure mode player what they should be selecting. If not specified, the player will only be able to target themselves.
IT_AFFECTED_CREATURE	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	CREATURE:CASTE	Specifies specific creatures the interaction can target.
IT_AFFECTED_CLASS	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	Creature class	Specifies creature classes the interaction can target.
IT_IMMUNE_CREATURE	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	CREATURE:CASTE	Specifies specific creatures the interaction cannot target.
IT_IMMUNE_CLASS	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	Creature class	Specifies creature classes the interaction cannot target.
IT_REQUIRES	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	Creature token or property	Indicates that the target must have the specified property. Valid values: FIT_FOR_ANIMATION - Any corpse or body part that can become a zombie (heads, hands, etc.) FIT_FOR_RESURRECTION - The target corpse's UPPERBODY must be attached. HAS_BLOOD MORTAL NO_AGING STERILE Creature token: BLOODSUCKER, CAN_LEARN, CAN_SPEAK, CRAZED, EXTRAVISION, MISCHIEVOUS (or MISCHIEVIOUS), NO_CONNECTIONS_FOR_MOVEMENT, NO_DIZZINESS, NO_DRINK, NO_EAT, NO_FEVERS, NO_PHYS_ATT_GAIN, NO_PHYS_ATT_RUST, NO_SLEEP, NO_THOUGHT_CENTER_FOR_MOVEMENT, NOBREATHE, NOEMOTION, NOEXERT, NOFEAR, NONAUSEA, NOPAIN, NOSTUN, NOT_LIVING, NOTHOUGHT, OPPOSED_TO_LIFE, PARALYZEIMMUNE, SUPERNATURAL, TRANCES, UTTERANCES
IT_FORBIDDEN	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	Creature token or property	Indicates that the target must not have the specified property. Valid values are the same as for IT_REQUIRES.
IT_CANNOT_TARGET_IF_ALREADY_AFFECTED	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE		Prevents the interaction from targeting a creature that's already under the effect of the same interaction.
IT_CANNOT_HAVE_SYNDROME_CLASS	Within I_TARGET:CORPSE or I_TARGET:CREATURE	Syndrome class	Prevents the interaction from targeting a creature under the effects of a syndrome having the specified SYN_CLASS value.
IT_MATERIAL	Within I_TARGET:MATERIAL	type	Specifies the type of material the interaction targets; currently only used for MATERIAL_EMISSION interaction effects. See Breath Attack Types. Valid values: FLOW:Breath attack token - The emission will consist of the specified special flow type. MATERIAL:Material token:Breath attack token - The emission will consist of the specified material dispersed in the specified manner. CONTEXT_MATERIAL - Indicates the emission details should be obtained from [CDI:MATERIAL] or [CDI:FLOW].
I_EFFECT	Global	type	Specifies what the interaction does to the targets. Multiple [I_EFFECT]s may be specified in a single interaction, and the same type may be used more than once. Valid values: ADD_SYNDROME - Adds one or more syndromes to a valid creature target. You must specify the syndrome details just below this interaction effect using the [SYNDROME] tag followed by the relevant syndrome tokens. See here for more information. ANIMATE - Raises the target corpse/bodypart as an undead unit. The zombie will always be hostile to life and will retain no information about its original personality/loyalties. Syndromes can also be specified within this tag. If a regional interaction contains this effect, affected regions will have undead wildlife. RESURRECT - Takes a target corpse and returns the creature to life. This can be used on parts that are not FIT_FOR_RESURRECTION, but only the main part (with an UPPERBODY attached) will remain loyal to its original faction. Syndromes can also be specified within this tag. CLEAN - Removes contaminants from a valid creature target. See [IE_GRIME_LEVEL] and [IE_SYNDROME_TAG]. CONTACT - Causes the creatures to touch. MATERIAL_EMISSION - Causes a particular material to be emitted. Used by evil weather and the MATERIAL_EMISSION interaction. HIDE - Allows the creature to hide even if another creature can see it. CREATE_ITEM - Creates an item as described by [IE_ITEM] and [IE_ITEM_QUALITY]. CHANGE_ITEM_QUALITY - Alters an item's quality level as indicated by either [IE_CHANGE_QUALITY] or [IE_SET_QUALITY]. When targeting a unit, all items equipped by that unit will be affected. SUMMON_UNIT - Creates a new unit at the target. The type of unit can either be specified using the [CREATURE] token, or made to be randomly selected as indicated by a variety of flag-based tokens: [IE_CREATURE_FLAG], [IE_FORBIDDEN_CREATURE_FLAG], [IE_CREATURE_CASTE_FLAG], [IE_FORBIDDEN_CREATURE_CASTE_FLAG], [IE_HAVE_FAST_EFFORTLESS_GAIT_SPEED] and/or [IE_ALL_SLOW_EFFORTLESS_GAIT_SPEED]. See also [IE_TIME_RANGE] and [IE_MAKE_PET_IF_POSSIBLE]. PROPEL_UNIT - Applies a force specified using [IE_PROPEL_FORCE] to a unit to knock it back. CHANGE_WEATHER - Changes the weather as specified by [IE_ADD_WEATHER] and/or [IE_REMOVE_WEATHER]. RAISE_GHOST - Present in version 0.47.01 and accepted as a valid I_EFFECT token, but does not have an effect currently.
IE_ARENA_NAME	Within I_EFFECT	text	Allows the interaction effect to be applied directly to newly spawned creatures in arena mode. The specified name is used to represent it within the creature creation effects list.
IE_TARGET	Within I_EFFECT	ID	Specifies which I_TARGET a particular interaction effect will be applied to. For example, in an interaction with the token [I_TARGET:B:CREATURE], 'B' is the ID used to indicate this target option. [I_EFFECT:ADD_SYNDROME] followed by [IE_TARGET:B] would therefore apply the syndrome to this target. Certain types of interaction effects require multiple IE_TARGET tokens in a specific order to function properly. A few effects do not require a target at all.
IE_INTERMITTENT	Within I_EFFECT	Frequency	Only appears to work with [I_SOURCE:REGION] interactions. Indicates that the effect happens intermittently and specifies roughly how often. Regional interactions aren't able to use effects which lack this token. Valid values: WEEKLY Note: DAILY, MONTHLY and YEARLY also exist in the string dump but don't appear to work at present.
IE_IMMEDIATE	Within I_EFFECT		Indicates that the effect happens immediately.
IE_LOCATION	Within I_EFFECT	Location Hint	Prevents the interaction effect from manifesting unless the target is in a location which meets the specified criteria. Valid values: IN_WATER IN_MAGMA NO_WATER NO_MAGMA NO_THICK_FOG OUTSIDE A depth of 1/7 is sufficient for IN_WATER and IN_MAGMA. Note: NO_THICK_FOG and OUTSIDE are accepted as valid location hints when specified with IE_LOCATION, but don't appear to work. It's possible that they're currently only implemented for use with [CDI:LOCATION_HINT].
IE_ADD_WEATHER	Within I_EFFECT:CHANGE_WEATHER	type	Indicates what type of weather is added. Valid values: FOG_MIST FOG_NORMAL FOG_THICK FRONT_WARM FRONT_COLD FRONT_OCCLUDED STRATUS_ALTO STRATUS_PROPER STRATUS_NIMBUS CUMULUS_MED CUMULUS_MULTI CUMULUS_NIMBUS CIRRUS
IE_REMOVE_WEATHER	Within I_EFFECT:CHANGE_WEATHER	type	Indicates what type of weather is removed. See above for a list of valid weather types.
IE_GRIME_LEVEL	Within I_EFFECT:CLEAN	amount?	[IE_GRIME_LEVEL:2] appears in the default cleaning interaction, and may indicate amount of grime cleaned.
IE_SYNDROME_TAG	Within I_EFFECT:CLEAN	syndrome trigger flag	When a creature cleans off a contaminant which is associated with a syndrome, the syndrome will be contracted if it has a matching trigger flag. This is what enables cats to become slightly inebriated when licking off alcohol. SYN_INGESTED appears to be the only syndrome trigger flag that works in this context.
IE_PROPEL_FORCE	Within I_EFFECT:PROPEL_UNIT	amount	Indicates the amount of force that the target will be propelled with.
IE_ITEM	Within I_EFFECT:CREATE_ITEM	<probability>:<quantity>:item token:material token	Defines what item will be created.
IE_ITEM_QUALITY	Within I_EFFECT:CREATE_ITEM	<quality> OR <minimum quality>:<maximum quality>	Defines what quality the created item shall have. Can either be specified in the form of a single, fixed quality (it seems that ARTIFACT can only be used in this manner), or a minimum and maximum level (in which case the quality is selected randomly). Valid values (numerals only except for ARTIFACT): 0 = ordinary 1 = well-crafted 2 = finely crafted 3 = superior quality 4 = exceptional 5 = masterwork ARTIFACT
IE_SET_QUALITY	Within I_EFFECT:CHANGE_ITEM_QUALITY	quality level	Defines a fixed quality level which the affected item(s) will be set to (decreasing or increasing in quality as necessary). See above for a list of valid quality levels (but note that ARTIFACT cannot be used in this effect).
IE_CHANGE_QUALITY	Within I_EFFECT:CHANGE_ITEM_QUALITY	amount	Determines how much the quality of the item(s) will be changed. For instance, improving a well-crafted -item- (quality level 1) by 2 will turn it into a superior-quality *item* (quality level 3). A negative value can be used to decrease quality. Quality cannot be increased beyond level 5 (masterwork) or decreased below level 0 (ordinary).
CREATURE	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<creature token>:<caste token>	Indicates which specific creature will be created when using this interaction. ANY can be used in place of a specific caste token. Only one [CREATURE] may currently be specified per interaction effect.
IE_CREATURE_FLAG	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<creature flag>	When this token is added to a random creature summoning effect, it narrows down the selection to creatures which have the specified creature flag. This token may be used multiple times per interaction effect; creatures which lack any of the indicated flags will never be summoned.
IE_FORBIDDEN_CREATURE_FLAG	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<creature flag>	When this token is added to a random creature summoning effect, any creature with the specified creature flag will be excluded from the selection. This token may be used multiple times per interaction effect; creatures which possess any of the indicated flags will never be summoned.
IE_CREATURE_CASTE_FLAG	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<caste flag>	When this token is added to a random creature summoning effect, it narrows down the selection to creatures which have the specified caste flag. This token may be used multiple times per interaction effect; creatures which lack any of the indicated flags will never be summoned.
IE_FORBIDDEN_CREATURE_CASTE_FLAG	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<caste flag>	When this token is added to a random creature summoning effect, it excludes any creature with the specified caste flag. This token may be used multiple times per interaction effect; creatures which possess any of the indicated flags will never be summoned.
IE_HAVE_FAST_EFFORTLESS_GAIT_SPEED	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<minimum gait speed>	When this token is added to a random creature summoning effect, it narrows down the selection to creatures which have at least one gait with an <energy expenditure> of 0 and a <max speed> less than or equal to the specified <minimum gait speed> ("less than" because lower is faster in the scale used for gait speed). [2]
IE_ALL_SLOW_EFFORTLESS_GAIT_SPEED	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<maximum gait speed>	When this token is added to a random creature summoning effect, it excludes any creatures which have at least one gait with an <energy expenditure> of 0 and a <max speed> value less than or equal to the specified <maximum gait speed> (note that larger values are slower in the scale used for gait speed). [3]
IE_TIME_RANGE	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<minimum ticks>:<maximum ticks>	The summoned unit vanishes in a puff of smoke once a certain amount of time has elapsed. The time limit is a randomly selected number of ticks within the specified minimum-maximum time range. The unit will persist indefinitely if this token is omitted.
IE_MAKE_PET_IF_POSSIBLE	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT		Makes the summoned unit behave as a pet of the unit who performed the summoning interaction.
GENERATED	Global		Indicates that this is a generated interaction. Cannot be specified in user-defined raws.

Usage

To enable a particular type of creature to use an interaction directly, the creature token [CAN_DO_INTERACTION:<interaction name>] should be added to its creature raws (replacing '<interaction name>' with the ID of the desired interaction; for an interaction called [INTERACTION:CLEANING] in the raws, the ID would be "CLEANING"), followed by a series of [CDI:...] tokens as detailed below.

Interactions can also be granted to individual creatures via syndromes using the syndrome effect token [CE_CAN_DO_INTERACTION] followed by [CDI:INTERACTION:<interaction name>] and additional CDI tokens as required.

The following is a list of valid CDI tokens. Precede them with "CDI:" in the style of [CDI:ADV_NAME:Clean], for example.

Token	Arguments	Description
INTERACTION	ID	Specifies which interaction can be performed. This is only needed following CE_CAN_DO_INTERACTION; there's no need to include this after CAN_DO_INTERACTION as the latter allows you to specify the interaction directly (as explained above).
ADV_NAME	text	Specifies the name of the interaction as it will appear on the adventure mode 'powers/abilities' menu.
TARGET	target ID, target types	Specifies how the creature chooses what to target. Target ID refers to an I_TARGET defined in the interaction itself. Multiple target types can be specified. If no target is specified, creature will target any available target within range, even through walls. Valid target types: LINE_OF_SIGHT - the source needs to be able to see the target TOUCHABLE - the source needs to be able to touch the target DISTURBER_ONLY - the target must be whoever disturbed the source (this is currently only relevant to mummies, allowing them to curse solely the unit who disturbed their resting place) SELF_ALLOWED - the target can be the source SELF_ONLY - the target must be the source
TARGET_RANGE	target ID, range	Determines the maximum distance from the interaction user (in tiles) at which something can be considered a valid target. For SOLID_GLOB, SHARP_ROCK, LIQUID_GLOB and FIREBALL breath attacks, also determines how far the projectiles can fly before falling to the ground.
MAX_TARGET_NUMBER	ID, number	Specifies the maximum number of things that can be selected for a particular I_TARGET.
LOCATION_HINT	Location Hint	Prevents CPU-controlled creatures from using the interaction unless they are in a location which meets the specified criteria. See above for a list of valid location hint values.
USAGE_HINT	Usage hint token	Indicates when and how CPU-controlled creatures will use the interaction. If no hint is specified in fortress mode, the interaction will be performed at the every opportunity in combat. Multiple usage hints may be specified. Valid values: GREETING - Creatures will target 'friendly' creatures, usually at random. ATTACK - Targets enemy creatures in combat. If the interaction specifies SELF_ONLY, CPU-controlled creatures will never use it. DEFEND - Used in combat. Creature will target itself. FLEEING - Used when fleeing an enemy. Creature will target itself. CLEAN_SELF - Creature targets itself when its body is covered with contaminants. CLEAN_FRIEND - As above, but targets other friendly units instead. NEGATIVE_SOCIAL_RESPONSE - Used when a creature is expressing contempt (for example, to a murderer). This is used in the default spitting interaction, for example. TORMENT - This is also used in the default spitting interaction, and is presumably used in a similar context. MINOR_BLESSING - Used in divination dice blessings. Targets the roller. MEDIUM_BLESSING - Used in divination dice blessings. Targets the roller. MINOR_CURSE - Used in divination dice curses. Targets the roller. MEDIUM_CURSE - Used in divination dice curses. Targets the roller. MAJOR_CURSE - Used in disturbance and deity curses. Targets the tomb disturber/temple defiler.
WAIT_PERIOD	number	The creature must wait the specified number of ticks before being able to use the interaction again. The delay defaults to 20 ticks if this is omitted. Setting it to 0 removes the delay altogether. Note: A WAIT_PERIOD of 10 is 10 ticks long in fortress mode, but only 1 tick long in adventurer mode.
FREE_ACTION		Indicates that performing the interaction doesn't take any time.
BP_REQUIRED	Body part criteria	Indicates that a particular body part must be present in order to perform the interaction. Criteria are BY_CATEGORY:category, BY_TYPE:type (GRASP, for example), or BY_TOKEN:token (uses the body part ID). See body token.
VERBAL		Only creatures that can speak will be able to use the interaction. Might also be needed for VERBAL_SPEECH.
VERBAL_SPEECH	text set	Specifies what the creature says when they perform the interaction. Text sets are defined in text_* raws.
CAN_BE_MUTUAL		Presumably allows two creatures with the same interaction to use it on each other simultaneously, for example, cats cleaning each other.
VERB	self:other:mutual	When a creature uses the interaction, a combat report message will be displayed in the form: [interaction user(s)] [VERB text] [target creature (if applicable)] The 'self' text is presented when describing the interaction in the second person (that is, when the interaction is carried out by the player character in adventure mode), the 'other' text is presented when describing it in the third person, and the 'mutual' text is presented when the interaction is carried out in a mutual fashion. [CDI:VERB:lick:licks:lick each other] [CDI:VERB:gesture:gestures:NA]
VERB_REVERSE	?	?
TARGET_VERB	self:other	When a creature uses the interaction, a message will display, describing the target as doing this. [CDI:TARGET_VERB:shudder and begin to move:shudders and begins to move]
FLOW	Breath attack token	Can be used with interactions that have [I_EFFECT:MATERIAL_EMISSION] and [IT_LOCATION:CONTEXT_MATERIAL] (or [IT_MATERIAL:CONTEXT_MATERIAL]) to make the interaction emit a special flow type. Valid values: FIREBALL FIREJET DRAGONFIRE.
MATERIAL	Material token:Breath attack token	Can be used with interactions that have [I_EFFECT:MATERIAL_EMISSION] and [IT_LOCATION:CONTEXT_MATERIAL] (or [IT_MATERIAL:CONTEXT_MATERIAL]) to make the interaction emit the specified material in the manner described by the breath attack token used.

Breath attacks

Breath attacks are controlled by the MATERIAL_EMISSION interaction, like so:

 [CAN_DO_INTERACTION:MATERIAL_EMISSION]
 		[CDI:ADV_NAME:Breath custom material]
 		[CDI:USAGE_HINT:ATTACK]
 		[CDI:BP_REQUIRED:BY_CATEGORY:MOUTH]
 		[CDI:MATERIAL:LOCAL_CREATURE_MAT:CUSTOMMATERIAL:TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW]
 		[CDI:TARGET:C:LINE_OF_SIGHT]
 		[CDI:TARGET_RANGE:C:15]
 		[CDI:MAX_TARGET_NUMBER:C:1]
 		[CDI:WAIT_PERIOD:50]

The most important part is this line:

 [CDI:MATERIAL:LOCAL_CREATURE_MAT:CUSTOMMATERIAL:TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW]

The CDI refers to CAN_DO_INTERACTION; the MATERIAL states that this line shows what the material is. LOCAL_CREATURE_MAT:CUSTOMMATERIAL is your material, and TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW refers to the breath attack type. Other types are seen below. Also important is this line:

 [CDI:TARGET:C:LINE_OF_SIGHT]

LINE_OF_SIGHT refers to where the target C may be; others include SELF_ALLOWED (presumably like LINE_OF_SIGHT, but with the creature allowed to target itself), SELF_ONLY (preferable for undirected attacks and TOUCHABLE (for up-close attacks, as trailing flows tend to be).

Breath Attack Types

   [CDI:MATERIAL:<material token>:<material emission type>]

Is used to emit a specific material in a specific manner. A list of valid emission types can be found below.

Examples:

   [CDI:MATERIAL:INORGANIC:GABBRO:SHARP_ROCK]

shoots a sharp gabbro rock

   [CDI:MATERIAL:PLANT_MAT:GRASS_CAVE_WHEAT:MILL:UNDIRECTED_DUST]

releases a cloud of dwarven wheat flour

   [CDI:MATERIAL:CREATURE_MAT:DWARF:TEARS:SPATTER_LIQUID]

creates a pool of dwarven tears

   [CDI:FLOW:<flow emission type>]

Is used to emit one of the special hardcoded flow types (FIREBALL, FIREJET or DRAGONFIRE).

Example:

   [CDI:FLOW:DRAGONFIRE]

Token	Usage Type	Description
TRAILING_DUST_FLOW	MATERIAL	Shoots a trail of solid dust at the target. Appears to use cave-in dust physics, as the dust cloud will fling around anything it comes in contact with (including the creature who emitted it), making it capable of smashing creatures into the ground and flinging them over walls. Creatures caught in the dust cloud will be covered with dust; this will trigger any associated contact syndromes.
TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW	MATERIAL	Shoots a trail of liquid mist at the target. Creatures caught in the vapor will be covered with the condensed liquid; this will trigger any associated contact syndromes.
TRAILING_GAS_FLOW	MATERIAL	Shoots a trail of gaseous substance at the target. This can be inhaled, triggering any associated inhalation syndromes.
TRAILING_ITEM_FLOW:item token	MATERIAL	Shoots a "cloud" of items at the target, leaving piles of this item on the floor. Note that this does not create the actual items or use falling item mechanics (meaning no flying daggers or Touhou-style barrages, unfortunately). Instead, this token acts as TRAILING_GAS_FLOW, except that the material will use its normal temperature - for example, a breath attack of steel anvils will envelop the target in a "burst of steel".
UNDIRECTED_DUST	MATERIAL	The creature releases a cloud of solid dust which spreads and dissipates. Similar to TRAILING_DUST_FLOW, but undirected, thus affecting a larger area but losing the distance - range is roughly the same as that of a cave-in. Creature will attack as normal. DO NOT USE THIS TAG UNLESS YOU WANT TO KILL THE CREATURE AND EVERYTHING NEAR IT AND SEND PEOPLE FLYING. You know you want to.
UNDIRECTED_VAPOR	MATERIAL	The creature releases a cloud of liquid mist which spreads and dissipates. Similar to TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW, but undirected, thus affecting a larger area but losing the distance.
UNDIRECTED_GAS	MATERIAL	The creature releases a cloud of gaseous material which spreads and dissipates. Similar to TRAILING_GAS_FLOW, but undirected, thus affecting a larger area but losing the distance.
UNDIRECTED_ITEM_CLOUD:item token	MATERIAL	The creature releases a "cloud" of items at the target, leaving piles of this item on the floor. The same comments apply as TRAILING_ITEM_FLOW.
WEATHER_CREEPING_DUST	MATERIAL	Creates a cloud of creeping dust. Not usable by creatures.
WEATHER_CREEPING_VAPOR	MATERIAL	Creates a cloud of creeping vapor. Not usable by creatures.
WEATHER_CREEPING_GAS	MATERIAL	Creates a cloud of gas that appears at the edge of the map and slowly creeps across the map. Not usable by creatures.
WEATHER_FALLING_MATERIAL	MATERIAL	Causes it to start raining a particular material. If the material is solid at the outdoor temperatures, it will snow the material instead. Can transfer contact syndromes. Regardless of the nature of the material, being caught in it will give dwarves the negative thought of being 'caught in freakish weather lately'. Not usable by creatures.
SOLID_GLOB	MATERIAL	Shoots a solid glob of spinning substance at the target, leaving a symbol similar to broken arrows, if it misses. Essentially a projectile weapon. If the cooldown rate is short enough, some creatures with this breath attack will not move, preferring instead to hold position and shoot globs at their enemies, even when they are right next to them.
SHARP_ROCK	MATERIAL	Just like SOLID_GLOB, but more harmful, as it shoots a sharpened solid chunk of material instead.
LIQUID_GLOB	MATERIAL	Shoots a liquid glob of substance at the target. Contact syndromes will take effect if the glob hits the target's exposed skin.
SPATTER_POWDER	MATERIAL	Creates a pile of powder at the specified location.
SPATTER_LIQUID	MATERIAL	Creates a pool of liquid at the specified location.
WEB_SPRAY	MATERIAL	Emits a burst of webs that entangle target creatures.
DRAGONFIRE	FLOW	Emits a wide cone of dragon fire that burns target creatures at a scorching 50000 °U .
FIREJET	FLOW	Emits a narrow cone of fire that burns target creatures at 11000 °U .
FIREBALL	FLOW	Emits a fireball that burns the target creature.

Keep in mind that you can give a creature multiple breath attacks, which appears to make the creature choose between them at random. Creatures cannot use the WEATHER effects, these being reserved for regional interactions.

One major difference between GAS, VAPOR, and DUST is that if the material cannot exist in the specified state at the current temperature, it will automatically be created at a temperature allowing it to exist. So if you create a vapor spray that uses rock or metal as a material, that spray will be created at the material's melting point, setting everything it touches on fire. You can also create a freezing spray by using a custom material that has extremely low melting and/or boiling points.

If you give a creature a material breath attack, be aware that it will be caught in the attack more frequently than its targets. Make sure to make your creatures immune to their own breath weapons!

Creature and Caste Flags

Certain interaction and syndrome effects (currently limited to [IE_SUMMON_UNIT] and [CE_BODY_TRANSFORMATION]) permit modders to specify the required/forbidden creature and caste flags of the desired creature(s). These are a collection of internal flags which are derived from creature tokens but are not necessarily identical to them. The following lists contain creature and caste flag names as provided by Toady One in a FotF reply [4] (valid as of 0.47.04).

Creature Flags

ALL_CASTES_ALIVE ARTIFICIAL_HIVEABLE BIOME_DESERT_BADLAND BIOME_DESERT_ROCK BIOME_DESERT_SAND BIOME_FOREST_TAIGA BIOME_FOREST_TEMPERATE_BROADLEAF BIOME_FOREST_TEMPERATE_CONIFER BIOME_FOREST_TROPICAL_CONIFER BIOME_FOREST_TROPICAL_DRY_BROADLEAF BIOME_FOREST_TROPICAL_MOIST_BROADLEAF BIOME_GLACIER BIOME_GRASSLAND_TEMPERATE BIOME_GRASSLAND_TROPICAL BIOME_LAKE_TEMPERATE_BRACKISHWATER BIOME_LAKE_TEMPERATE_FRESHWATER BIOME_LAKE_TEMPERATE_SALTWATER BIOME_LAKE_TROPICAL_BRACKISHWATER BIOME_LAKE_TROPICAL_FRESHWATER BIOME_LAKE_TROPICAL_SALTWATER BIOME_MARSH_TEMPERATE_FRESHWATER BIOME_MARSH_TEMPERATE_SALTWATER BIOME_MARSH_TROPICAL_FRESHWATER BIOME_MARSH_TROPICAL_SALTWATER BIOME_MOUNTAIN BIOME_OCEAN_ARCTIC BIOME_OCEAN_TEMPERATE BIOME_OCEAN_TROPICAL BIOME_POOL_TEMPERATE_BRACKISHWATER BIOME_POOL_TEMPERATE_FRESHWATER BIOME_POOL_TEMPERATE_SALTWATER BIOME_POOL_TROPICAL_BRACKISHWATER BIOME_POOL_TROPICAL_FRESHWATER BIOME_POOL_TROPICAL_SALTWATER BIOME_RIVER_TEMPERATE_BRACKISHWATER BIOME_RIVER_TEMPERATE_FRESHWATER BIOME_RIVER_TEMPERATE_SALTWATER BIOME_RIVER_TROPICAL_BRACKISHWATER BIOME_RIVER_TROPICAL_FRESHWATER BIOME_RIVER_TROPICAL_SALTWATER BIOME_SAVANNA_TEMPERATE BIOME_SAVANNA_TROPICAL BIOME_SHRUBLAND_TEMPERATE BIOME_SHRUBLAND_TROPICAL BIOME_SUBTERRANEAN_CHASM BIOME_SUBTERRANEAN_LAVA BIOME_SUBTERRANEAN_WATER BIOME_SWAMP_MANGROVE BIOME_SWAMP_TEMPERATE_FRESHWATER BIOME_SWAMP_TEMPERATE_SALTWATER BIOME_SWAMP_TROPICAL_FRESHWATER BIOME_SWAMP_TROPICAL_SALTWATER BIOME_TUNDRA DOES_NOT_EXIST EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT_WAGON EVIL FANCIFUL GENERATED GOOD HAS_ANY_BENIGN HAS_ANY_CANNOT_BREATHE_AIR HAS_ANY_CANNOT_BREATHE_WATER HAS_ANY_CAN_SWIM HAS_ANY_CARNIVORE HAS_ANY_COMMON_DOMESTIC HAS_ANY_CURIOUS_BEAST HAS_ANY_DEMON HAS_ANY_FEATURE_BEAST HAS_ANY_FLIER HAS_ANY_FLY_RACE_GAIT HAS_ANY_GRASP HAS_ANY_GRAZER HAS_ANY_HAS_BLOOD HAS_ANY_IMMOBILE HAS_ANY_INTELLIGENT_LEARNS HAS_ANY_INTELLIGENT_SPEAKS HAS_ANY_LARGE_PREDATOR HAS_ANY_LOCAL_POPS_CONTROLLABLE HAS_ANY_LOCAL_POPS_PRODUCE_HEROES HAS_ANY_MEGABEAST HAS_ANY_MISCHIEVIOUS HAS_ANY_NATURAL_ANIMAL HAS_ANY_NIGHT_CREATURE HAS_ANY_NIGHT_CREATURE_BOGEYMAN HAS_ANY_NIGHT_CREATURE_EXPERIMENTER HAS_ANY_NIGHT_CREATURE_HUNTER HAS_ANY_NIGHT_CREATURE_NIGHTMARE HAS_ANY_NOT_FIREIMMUNE HAS_ANY_NOT_FLIER HAS_ANY_NOT_LIVING HAS_ANY_OUTSIDER_CONTROLLABLE HAS_ANY_POWER HAS_ANY_RACE_GAIT HAS_ANY_SEMIMEGABEAST HAS_ANY_SLOW_LEARNER HAS_ANY_SUPERNATURAL HAS_ANY_TITAN HAS_ANY_UNIQUE_DEMON HAS_ANY_UTTERANCES HAS_ANY_VERMIN_HATEABLE HAS_ANY_VERMIN_MICRO HAS_FEMALE HAS_MALE LARGE_ROAMING LOOSE_CLUSTERS MATES_TO_BREED MUNDANE OCCURS_AS_ENTITY_RACE SAVAGE SMALL_RACE - applies to any vermin creature TWO_GENDERS UBIQUITOUS VERMIN_EATER VERMIN_FISH VERMIN_GROUNDER VERMIN_ROTTER VERMIN_SOIL VERMIN_SOIL_COLONY

Caste Flags

ADOPTS_OWNER ALCOHOL_DEPENDENT ALL_ACTIVE AMBUSHPREDATOR AQUATIC_UNDERSWIM ARENA_RESTRICTED AT_PEACE_WITH_WILDLIFE BENIGN BLOODSUCKER BONECARN CANNOT_BREATHE_AIR CANNOT_CLIMB CANNOT_JUMP CANOPENDOORS CAN_BREATHE_WATER CAN_LEARN / INTELLIGENT_LEARNS CAN_SPEAK / INTELLIGENT_SPEAKS CAN_SWIM CAN_SWIM_INNATE CARNIVORE CAVE_ADAPT COLONY_EXTERNAL COMMON_DOMESTIC CONVERTED_SPOUSE COOKABLE_LIVE CRAZED CREPUSCULAR CURIOUS_BEAST CURIOUS_BEAST_EATER CURIOUS_BEAST_GUZZLER CURIOUS_BEAST_ITEM DEMON DIE_WHEN_VERMIN_BITE DIURNAL DIVE_HUNTS_VERMIN EQUIPS EXTRAVISION FEATURE_ATTACK_GROUP FEATURE_BEAST FIREIMMUNE FIREIMMUNE_SUPER FISHITEM FLEEQUICK FLIER GELDABLE GETS_INFECTIONS_FROM_ROT GETS_WOUND_INFECTIONS GNAWER GRAZER HASSHELL HAS_BABYSTATE HAS_BLOOD HAS_CHILDSTATE HAS_COLOR HAS_FLY_RACE_GAIT HAS_GLOW_COLOR HAS_GLOW_TILE HAS_GRASP HAS_NERVES HAS_PUS HAS_RACE_GAIT HAS_ROTTABLE HAS_SECRETION HAS_SOLDIER_TILE HAS_SOUND_ALERT HAS_SOUND_PEACEFUL_INTERMITTENT HAS_TILE HUNTS_VERMIN IMMOBILE IMMOBILE_LAND IMMOLATE ITEMCORPSE LAIR_HUNTER LARGE_PREDATOR LAYS_EGGS LAYS_UNUSUAL_EGGS LIGAMENTS LIGHT_GEN LISP LOCAL_POPS_CONTROLLABLE LOCAL_POPS_PRODUCE_HEROES LOCKPICKER MAGICAL MAGMA_VISION MANNERISM_BREATH MANNERISM_EYELIDS MANNERISM_LAUGH MANNERISM_POSTURE MANNERISM_SIT MANNERISM_SMILE MANNERISM_STRETCH MANNERISM_WALK MATUTINAL MEANDERER MEGABEAST MILKABLE MISCHIEVIOUS MOUNT MOUNT_EXOTIC MULTIPART_FULL_VISION MULTIPLE_LITTER_RARE NATURAL_ANIMAL NIGHT_CREATURE NIGHT_CREATURE_BOGEYMAN NIGHT_CREATURE_EXPERIMENTER NIGHT_CREATURE_HUNTER NIGHT_CREATURE_NIGHTMARE NOBONES NOBREATHE NOCTURNAL NOEMOTION NOEXERT NOFEAR NOMEAT NONAUSEA NOPAIN NOSKIN NOSKULL NOSMELLYROT NOSTUCKINS NOSTUN NOTHOUGHT NOT_BUTCHERABLE NOT_LIVING NO_AUTUMN NO_CONNECTIONS_FOR_MOVEMENT NO_DIZZINESS NO_DRINK NO_EAT NO_FEVERS NO_PHYS_ATT_GAIN NO_PHYS_ATT_RUST NO_SLEEP NO_SPRING NO_SUMMER NO_THOUGHT_CENTER_FOR_MOVEMENT NO_UNIT_TYPE_COLOR NO_VEGETATION_PERTURB NO_WINTER OPPOSED_TO_LIFE OUTSIDER_CONTROLLABLE PACK_ANIMAL PARALYZEIMMUNE PATTERNFLIER PEARL PET PET_EXOTIC POWER REMAINS_ON_VERMIN_BITE_DEATH REMAINS_UNDETERMINED RETURNS_VERMIN_KILLS_TO_OWNER SEMIMEGABEAST SLOW_LEARNER SPOUSE_CONVERSION_TARGET SPOUSE_CONVERTER SPREAD_EVIL_SPHERES_IF_RULER STANCE_CLIMBER STRANGE_MOODS SUPERNATURAL TENDONS THICKWEB TITAN TRAINABLE_HUNTING TRAINABLE_WAR TRANCES TRAPAVOID UNIQUE_DEMON UTTERANCES VEGETATION VERMIN_GOBBLER VERMIN_HATEABLE VERMIN_MICRO VERMIN_NOFISH VERMIN_NOROAM VERMIN_NOTRAP VESPERTINE WAGON_PULLER WEBBER WEBIMMUNE

See Also

• Syndrome
• Interaction examples