Interaction token

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.

Interaction Definitions

Token	Context	Arguments	Description
EXPERIMENT_ONLY	Global	No arguments	It disallows use in play and also encourages usage specifically to create experimental populations[1]
I_SOURCE	Global	type	Defines what things are capable of triggering this interaction. Can be specified multiple times. Valid values: REGION - The interaction takes place in particular types of regions in the world. SECRET - The interaction is a secret that can be learned by particular individuals. DISTURBANCE - The interaction is triggered when disturbing a tomb. DEITY - The interaction is inflicted upon mortals by the gods. ATTACK - The interaction is triggered by an attack during combat. INGESTION - The interaction is triggered by eating or drinking something. CREATURE_ACTION - The interaction is triggered by an explicit action. UNDERGROUND_SPECIAL - The interaction takes place in curious underground structures. EXPERIMENT - This interaction is triggered by experimenting [2]
IS_HIST_STRING_1	Within I_SOURCE	text	Describes what the interaction did to a historical figure. Displayed after the name of the historical figure that performed the interaction. [IS_HIST_STRING_1: cursed ]
IS_HIST_STRING_2	Within I_SOURCE	text	Describes what the interaction did to a historical figure. Displayed after the name of the historical figure that was targeted by the interaction. [IS_HIST_STRING_2: to assume the form of a lizard-like monster every full moon]
IS_FREQUENCY	Within I_SOURCE	Number	Presumably, the probability of biome specified by [IS_REGION] to have this interaction.
IS_NAME	Within I_SOURCE	string	Generally used with secrets, describes what the secret is about.
IS_REGION	Within I_SOURCE:REGION	Region type	Indicates what types of regions are capable of performing this interaction. Can be specified multiple times. Valid values: ANY ANY_TERRAIN NORMAL_ALLOWED EVIL_ALLOWED GOOD_ALLOWED SAVAGE_ALLOWED EVIL_ONLY GOOD_ONLY SAVAGE_ONLY Region type - SWAMP, DESERT, FOREST, MOUNTAINS, OCEAN, LAKE, GLACIER, TUNDRA, GRASSLAND, HILLS
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, thus, several [I_SOURCE:SECRET] tokens are required to create a valid custom secret which belongs to several different 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 However, currently only immortality will result in a secret being pursued during world-gen.
IS_SECRET	Within I_SOURCE:SECRET	Secret Flag	Indicates how the secret can be learned. Valid values: SUPERNATURAL_LEARNING_POSSIBLE - the secret can be learned by supernatural means MUNDANE_RESEARCH_POSSIBLE - the secret can be researched by mundane means MUNDANE_TEACHING_POSSIBLE - the secret can be taught to apprentices MUNDANE_RECORDING_POSSIBLE:objects/text/(book_title).txt:objects/text/(book_topic).txt - the secret can be written in books with the specified title. 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, MEDIUM_BLESSINGv0.47.01, MEDIUM_CURSEv0.47.01, and MAJOR_CURSE are the only values that make sense.
I_TARGET	Global	id, type	Specifies what things this interaction acts upon. Can be specified multiple times. Valid values: CORPSE - Also includes pieces of corpses CREATURE MATERIAL LOCATION
IT_LOCATION	Within I_TARGET	Location	Narrows down exactly what the interaction targets. Valid values: CONTEXT_REGION - Can only be used by IS_REGION interactions. CONTEXT_CREATURE CONTEXT_CREATURE_OR_LOCATION - Lets projectiles be aimed at specific creatures. CONTEXT_ITEM - Used when the target is a CORPSE. CONTEXT_BP - Use body part from CDI:BP_REQUIRED token (below). CONTEXT_LOCATION CONTEXT_MATERIAL RANDOM_NEARBY_LOCATIONv0.47.01 - id, number? - Targets a location from somewhere random within a number of squares from the I_TARGET's location.
IT_MANUAL_INPUT	Within I_TARGET	text	Tells the player what they should be selecting. If not specified, the player will only be able to target himself.
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, LIKES_FIGHTING (or LIKESFIGHTING), 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. Valid values: FLOW:Breath attack token - Specifies an attack not made of any material. MATERIAL:Material token:Breath attack token - Specifies an attack made of a specific material. CONTEXT_MATERIAL - Use material from CDI:MATERIAL token (below).
I_EFFECT	Global	type	Specifies what the interaction does to the targets. Can be specified multiple times. Valid values: ANIMATE - Raises the target corpse/bodypart as a zombie. 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 present on a regional interaction, the region will have undead wildlife. ADD_SYNDROME - Adds one or more syndromes. The actual syndrome is specified with the [SYNDROME] tag. RESURRECT - 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 - Cleans off most liquids/dust covering the creature. 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_ITEMv0.47.01 - Creates an item. CHANGE_ITEM_QUALITYv0.47.01 - Upgrades an item's quality. SUMMON_UNITv0.47.01 - Creates a new unit on a target location. PROPEL_UNITv0.47.01 - Knocks the target back. CHANGE_WEATHERv0.47.01 - Changes the weather depending on the token RAISE_GHOSTv0.47.01 - Present in version 0.47.01 and accepted as a valid I_EFFECT token, but does not have an effect currently.
IE_TARGET	Within I_EFFECT	ID	Specifies which I_TARGET this effect will be applied to
IE_INTERMITTENT	Within I_EFFECT	Frequency	Indicates that the effect happens intermittently and specifies roughly how often. Valid values: WEEKLY MONTHLY note: DAILY and YEARLY also exist in the string dump but haven't been tested fully.
IE_IMMEDIATE	Within I_EFFECT		Indicates that the effect happens immediately.
IE_LOCATION	Within I_EFFECT	Location Hint	Indicates where the effect can take place. Valid values: IN_WATER IN_MAGMA NO_WATER NO_MAGMA
IE_ARENA_NAME	Within I_EFFECT	text	Allows the interaction to be applied to newly spawned creatures in Arena mode.
IE_CHANGE_QUALITYv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:CHANGE_ITEM_QUALITY	amount	How much the item shall be improved. The number in the example QUALITY_BLESSING from "example - shrine effects" is 2.
IE_ADD_WEATHERv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:CHANGE_WEATHER	type?	Indicates what type of weather it is changed to. The available weather types are: FOG_MIST, STRATUS_NIMBUS, FOG_THICK, FOG_NORMAL, FRONT_OCCLUDED, FRONT_COLD, CUMULUS_MULTI, CUMULUS_MED, CIRRUS, CUMULUS_NIMBUS, STRATUS_PROPER, and STRATUS_ALTO.
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 flag	Indicates that cleaning off materials will activate their syndromes if they have this flag.
IE_ITEMv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:CREATE_ITEM	<probability>:<quantity>:item token:material token	Defines what item will be created.
IE_ITEM_QUALITYv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:CREATE_ITEM	quality	Defines what quality the created item shall have. In the example shrine effect ITEM_BLESSING is ARTIFACT. Other possible qualities are unknown, but may be numerical.
IE_TIME_RANGEv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	minimum, maximum	The summoned unit stays a random amount of time until it poofs into smoke. It will poof into smoke if it goes away from its master, or its master dies. This token is not required, if not specified the summoned creature never poofs even if the master dies.
IE_PROPEL_FORCEv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:PROPEL_UNIT	amount?	Indicates the amount of force that the target will be propelled with.
CREATUREv0.47.01	Within I_EFFECT:SUMMON_UNIT	<creature token>:<caste token>	Indicates which specific creature will be created when using this interaction.
GENERATED	Global		Indicates that this is a generated interaction. Cannot be specified in user-defined raws.

Interaction Usage

In order to actually use an interaction, add the creature token [CAN_DO_INTERACTION:NAME] followed by a series of [CDI:...] tokens. Interactions can also be granted through syndromes using the token [CE_CAN_DO_INTERACTION] (plus the same series of CDI tokens).

The following CDI tokens can be specified:

Token	Arguments	Description
INTERACTION	id	Specifies which interaction can be performed. Only to be used with syndromes, since CE_CAN_DO_INTERACTION does not allow specifying the interaction ID directly.
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 SELF_ALLOWED - the target can be the source SELF_ONLY - the target must be the source
TARGET_RANGE	target ID, range	Specifies how far away the target can be, in tiles. For SOLID_GLOB, LIQUID_GLOB and FIREBALL breath attacks, also determines how far the projectiles will fly before falling to the ground.
LOCATION_HINT	Location Hint (see above)	?
USAGE_HINT	Usage hint token	Indicates when and how CPU-controlled creatures will use the interaction. If no hint is specified, the interaction will be used whenever a valid target is available. Valid values: MEDIUM_BLESSINGv0.47.01 - Used in divination dice blessings. Targets the roller. MEDIUM_CURSEv0.47.01 - Used in divination dice curses. Targets the roller. MAJOR_CURSE - Used in disturbance curses and deity curses. Targets the tomb disturber/temple defiler. GREETING - Creatures will target 'friendly' creatures, usually at random. CLEAN_SELF - Creature targets itself when covered in liquids or dust. CLEAN_FRIEND - Same, but targets other friendly units. ATTACK - Targets enemy creatures in combat. If the interaction specifies SELF_ONLY, CPU-controlled creatures will never use it. FLEEING - Used when fleeing an enemy. Creature will target itself. NEGATIVE_SOCIAL_RESPONSE - Used when a creature is expressing contempt (for example, to a murderer). Used for spitting by civilised races. TORMENT DEFENDv0.47.01 - Used in combat. Creature will target itself.
ADV_NAME	text	Specifies the interaction's name when used in Adventurer mode.
MAX_TARGET_NUMBER	ID, number	Specifies the maximum number of things that can be selected for a particular I_TARGET.
WAIT_PERIOD	number	Controls how often the interaction can be used.
VERBAL		Only creatures that can speak will be able to use the interaction. Might also be needed for VERBAL_SPEECH.
VERBAL_SPEECH	filename	Specifies what the creature says when they perform the interaction. Filename path is relative to /data/speech.
CAN_BE_MUTUAL		Presumably, allows two creatures with the same interaction to use it on each other simultaneously, for example, cats cleaning each other.
FREE_ACTION		Indicates that performing the interaction doesn't take any time.
VERB	self:other:mutual	When a creature uses the interaction, a message will display, describing the source as doing this.
VERB_REVERSE	?	?
TARGET_VERB	self:other	When a creature uses the interaction, a message will display, describing the target as doing this.
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, or BY_TOKEN:token.
FLOW	Breath attack token	Causes the interaction to create an effect not made of any material. Only makes sense for FIREBALL, FIREJET, or DRAGONFIRE.
MATERIAL	Material token:Breath attack token	Causes the interaction to create an effect made of a specific material. Doesn't make sense for FIREBALL, FIREJET, or DRAGONFIRE.

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

When using types of MATERIAL the format would be: [CDI:MATERIAL:material:sub-material:action-type] action-type being like SOLID_GLOB or UNDIRECTED_VAPOR

When using types of FLOW the format would just be: [CDI:FLOW:FIREBALL]

Token	Usage Type	Description
TRAILING_DUST_FLOW	MATERIAL	Lets out a cloud of solid dust. Appears to use cave-in dust physics, causing this to fling around anything it comes in contact with, making it capable of smashing creatures into the ground and flinging them over walls. Creature will attack as normal.
TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW	MATERIAL	Shoots a trail of liquid mist at the target which can condense and trigger contact syndromes. Creature will attack as normal.
TRAILING_GAS_FLOW	MATERIAL	Shoots a trail of gas substance at the target which can be inhaled. Creature will attack as normal.
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". Creature will attack as normal.
SHARP_ROCKv0.47.01	MATERIAL	Shoots a sharpened solid chunk of spinning substance at the creature, leaving symbols similar to broken arrows, 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 shards at you, even when you are literally right next to them.
SOLID_GLOB	MATERIAL	Shoots a solid glob of spinning substance at the creature, leaving symbols similar to broken arrows, 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 you, even when you are literally right next to them.
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.
UNDIRECTED_GAS	MATERIAL	Creature occasionally releases a cloud of gas substance. Similar to TRAILING_GAS_FLOW, but undirected, thus affecting a larger area but losing the distance. Creature will attack as normal.
UNDIRECTED_VAPOR	MATERIAL	Creature occasionally releases a cloud of liquid mist. Similar to TRAILING_VAPOR_FLOW, but undirected, thus affecting a larger area but losing the distance. Creature will attack as normal.
UNDIRECTED_DUST	MATERIAL	Creature occasionally releases a cloud of solid dust, which will spread and dissipate. 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_ITEM_CLOUD:item token	MATERIAL	Creature occasionally releases a "cloud" of items at the target, leaving piles of this item on the floor. The same comments apply as TRAILING_ITEM_FLOW. Creature will attack as normal.
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 . For this you want FLOW instead of a material.
FIREJET	FLOW	Emits a narrow cone of fire that burns target creatures at 11000 °U . For this you want FLOW instead of a material.
FIREBALL	FLOW	Emits a fireball that burns the target creature. For this you want FLOW instead of a material.
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_CREEPING_VAPOR	MATERIAL	Creates a cloud of creeping vapor. Not usable by creatures.
WEATHER_CREEPING_DUST	MATERIAL	Creates a cloud of creeping dust. 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. Regardless of the nature of the material, being caught in it will give dwarves the bad thought of being 'caught in freakish weather lately'. Not usable by creatures.

Keep in mind that you can use 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!

See Also

• Syndrome