Chapter 15 — Entities

Part IV — Authoring Games

Actors and objects in the world.

Topics

• Entity blueprints — templates for creating entities
• Stats — attribute values defined by the ruleset
• Resources — consumable pools (hp, stamina, heat)
• AI profiles — behavior configuration for non-player entities
• Inventories — items carried by an entity
• Statuses — active conditions and effects

Example Entities

NPC — The Pilgrim

id: pilgrim
name: The Pilgrim
kind: npc
stats: { vigor: 3, instinct: 5, will: 7 }
resources: { hp: 15 }
tags: [friendly, mysterious]

Enemy — Ash Ghoul

id: ash_ghoul
name: Ash Ghoul
kind: enemy
stats: { vigor: 6, instinct: 4, will: 2 }
resources: { hp: 20, stamina: 8 }
ai:
  profileId: aggressive
  goals: [guard-crypt]
  fears: [fire, sacred]

Item — Healing Draught

id: healing_draught
name: Healing Draught
kind: item
effects: [{ type: restore, resource: hp, amount: 8 }]

AI Configuration

Non-player entities with an ai field participate in the cognition system. Their profileId determines intent selection behavior, while goals and fears influence which actions the AI prioritizes or avoids.

Environmental Objects

Objects like altars, terminals, and containers are also entities. They can be inspected, used, or interacted with through the same action system that handles NPCs and enemies.