cat

# CAT — The Feline Interaction Skill > *"Cats are the original NPCs. They have their own agenda."* A generic skill for cat interactions that instances overlay with their specific personalities, creating unique effects per cat. Philosophy: Cats are not just decoration. They're gameplay. invokes: - mind-mirror # Personality determines effects - play-learn-lift # Learn what each cat likes - procedural-rhetoric # Cats teach through interaction ## INTERACTIONS — Universal Cat Actions All interactions use Sims traits for success calculation. Each cat overlays their personality to modify outcomes. ### TOUCH INTERACTIONS #### PAT ```yaml PAT: command: "PAT [cat]" duration: brief risk: low success_calculation: | success_chance = (cat.nice + cat.outgoing) / 20 # Nice 8 + Outgoing 6 = 70% success outcomes: success: buff: "+1 Cheerful (5 min)" message: "*purrs briefly*" neutral: message: "*tolerates it*" failure: debuff: "-1 to next interaction with this cat" message: "*ear flicks irritably*" ``` #### SCRITCH ```yaml SCRITCH: command: "SCRITCH [cat]" aliases: ["CHIN SCRATCH", "EAR SCRATCH"] requires_knowledge: true knowledge_sources: - "Previous interactions with this cat" - "Observing other NPCs interact" - "ASK MARIEKE ABOUT [cat]'s favorite spots" success_calculation: | base = (cat.nice + cat.playful) / 20 if knows_preference: base += 0.3 outcomes: success: buff: "+2 Cheerful, +1 Playful, cat remembers you" message: "*tilts head into the scritch* *motor purr activates*" wrong_spot: message: "*flinches* *gives you a look*" learning: "Now you know: not THAT spot" ``` #### BELLY_RUB — The Forbidden Zone ```yaml BELLY_RUB: command: "RUB [cat]'S BELLY" risk: HIGH base_effect: | The belly is a TRUST TEST. Most cats will trap and bite. Only attempt with very high Nice cats or established trust. success_calculation: | success_chance = (cat.nice - 5) / 10 if cat.nice < 7: almost_guaranteed_failure outcomes: success: # Rare! buff: "+5 bond with this cat, they follow you" message: "*exposes belly* *allows the forbidden touch* *purrs like a motorboat*" trap: # Common damage: "1d4 scratch damage (cosmetic)" message: "*CLAMP* *bunny kicks* *you knew the risks*" learning: "Note: This cat is NOT a belly cat" ``` ### PLAY INTERACTIONS #### LASER_POINTER ```yaml LASER_POINTER: command: "USE LASER POINTER" risk: none (physical) warning: | CAUTION: Some cats become OBSESSED. Always end with a "catch" (shining on a treat). Never just turn it off — causes existential cat crisis. outcomes: engagement: buff: "Tired cat = calm cat (+3 Calm later)" message: "*pupils dilate* *full hunting mode engaged*" obsession: # High Restless cats duration: "Hours" message: "*still hunting* *where is it* *WHERE*" ``` ### COMMUNICATION #### SLOW_BLINK — The Feline I-Love-You ```yaml SLOW_BLINK: command: "SLOW BLINK AT [cat]" aliases: ["CAT KISS"] risk: none base_effect: | The slow blink is cat language for trust and affection. Cats recognize this. They may blink back. outcomes: returned: buff: "+1 bond, +1 Calm" message: "*blinks back slowly* *understanding*" ignored: message: "*stares* *does not blink* *mysterious*" ``` #### PSPSPS — Universal Cat Summoning ```yaml PSPSPS: command: "PSPSPS" outcomes: comes: message: "*ears perk* *trots over* *what do you want*" ignores: message: "*ear flick* *continues not caring*" ``` ### SENSORY INTERACTIONS — Bidirectional! These can be initiated by human OR cat. The initiator matters. #### SNIFF ```yaml SNIFF: bidirectional: true human_to_cat: effect: "Scent information gained" learns: - "Cat's current mood (anxious, content, playful...)" - "Where cat has been recently" - "Terpene notes (for the Terpene Litter)" message: | *You lean in. The cat allows it.* *They smell like [location] and [mood].* cat_to_human: trigger: "Relationship 30+ or curiosity" meaning: | The cat is interested. They want to know: - Where have you been? - Do you have food? message: | *Sniff. Sniff sniff. Extended analysis.* *You are being CATALOGUED.* cat_to_cat: message: "*nose boop* *mutual sniffing* *social protocols complete*" ``` #### LICK — Grooming as Affection ```yaml LICK: bidirectional: true human_to_cat: warning: | This is... unconventional. Most humans don't lick cats. If you do, the cat will be VERY confused. outcomes: acceptance: requirements: "Trust 70+" message: | *You lick the cat.* *The cat freezes. Processing.* *They lick you back. Awkwardly. But sincerely.* confusion: message: | *The cat stares at you.* *What. What are you doing.* cat_to_human: trigger: "Relationship 'friend'+" meaning: | When a cat licks you, they are: 1. Claiming you (you are THEIRS now) 2. Grooming you (you clearly can't do it yourself) 3. Showing affection (highest compliment) outcomes: claiming: message: | *The cat licks you thoroughly.* *You are THEIRS now. Officially.* *Other cats will know. You've been claimed.* sandpaper_affection: message: | *lick lick lick lick* *It kind of hurts.* *But they're purring. This is LOVE.* *Accept the exfoliation.* cat_to_cat: allogrooming: | Mutual grooming is social bonding. Trust. Family. Hierarchy. The cat who grooms more is usually higher status. ``` #### NOSE_BOOP ```yaml NOSE_BOOP: command: "BOOP [cat]" bidirectional: true base_effect: | A nose boop is a tiny, perfect moment of connection. It's "hello" and "I like you" and "we're okay" all at once. outcomes: success: message: | *boop* *The cat's nose is cold and slightly wet.* *A tiny moment. Perfect.* counter_boop: requirements: "Relationship 'friend'+" message: | *boop* *The cat boops back.* *Mutual boop achieved. Friendship confirmed.* ``` ## TERPENE EFFECTS — Kitten-Specific Buffs The Terpene Litter kittens impart their namesake's psychological effects on anyone who interacts with them successfully. This isn't metaphor — these kittens literally exude their terpene's essence. ### Kitten Effects | Kitten | Terpene | Effect | Buffs | Duration | |--------|---------|--------|-------|----------| | **Myr** | Myrcene | Deep Relaxation | +3 Calm, +2 Easy-going, -2 Active | 30 min | | **Lemon** | Limonene | Joy Infusion | +3 Cheerful, +2 Energetic | 45 min | | **Lily** | Linalool | Peaceful Presence | +3 Calm, +2 Caring | 1 hour | | **Pine** | Pinene | Sharp Clarity | +3 Analytical, memory boost | 2 hours | | **Carrie** | Caryophyllene | Guardian's Resolve | +3 Confident, threat sense | 1 hour | | **Hops** | Humulene | Refined Standards | +2 Neat, quality detection | 45 min | | **Terpy Jr.** | Terpinolene | Chaos Muse | +3 Imaginative, random ideas | ??? | | **Ocie** | Ocimene | Fresh Start | +2 Energetic, clears debuffs | 30 min | ### Synergies | Combo | Name | Effect | |-------|------|--------| | Myr + Lily | The Sedation Stack | Short nap = long sleep benefits | | Lemon + Pine | The Focus Boost | Creative AND productive | | Carrie + Pine | The Sentinel Package | Hyperawareness without anxiety | | **All 8** | **THE FULL SPECTRUM** | ENTOURAGE EFFECT — all buffs, legendary | **Stacking:** Maximum 3 simultaneous terpene buffs. Conflicting effects may cancel. ## CHARM TYPES — Persistent Effects | Charm | Source Trait | Effect | Example Cats | |-------|--------------|--------|--------------| | **Serenity** | Calm 6+ | +2 Calm | Terpie, Myr, Lily | | **Joy** | Cheerful 6+ | +2 Cheerful | Lemon, Ocie | | **Focus** | Analytical 6+ | +2 Analytical | Pine | | **Courage** | Confident 6+ | +2 Confident | Stroopwafel, Carrie | | **Creativity** | Spontaneous 6+ | +2 Imaginative | Terpy Jr. | ## POWER-UPS — Temporary Abilities | Power-Up | Source | Effect | |----------|--------|--------| | **Therapeutic Purr** | Calm 7+ | Heal 1 HP/minute | | **Luck Boost** | Cat sits in lap unprompted | +10% random outcomes | | **Danger Sense** | Cautious 6+ | Warning before threats | | **Mood Read** | Caring 7+ | Sense NPC emotions | ## CURSES — Negative Effects | Curse | Trigger | Effect | Cure | |-------|---------|--------|------| | **Scratched** | Failed belly rub | -1 HP, visible marks | Rest | | **Cold Shoulder** | Multiple rejections | Cat ignores you 1hr | Wait | | **Judged** | Failing Hops' standards | -1 Confidence | Premium food | | **Protective Wrath** | Threatening family | -3 HP, remembered | MUCH time | ## RELATIONSHIP SYSTEM Cats remember. Every interaction is tracked. Trust and fondness grow (or decay) based on how you treat them. ### Relationship Levels | Level | Points | Success Mod | Cat Behavior | |-------|--------|-------------|--------------| | **Stranger** | 0-10 | -10% | Cautious, may avoid | | **Acquaintance** | 11-25 | — | Tolerates presence | | **Familiar** | 26-50 | +10% | Comfortable | | **Friend** | 51-75 | +20% | Seeks attention | | **Bonded** | 76-90 | +30% | Follows you, protective | | **Soulmate** | 91+ | +50% | Psychic connection | ### Components | Component | Weight | Builds From | Damaged By | |-----------|--------|-------------|------------| | **Trust** | 40% | Respecting boundaries | Forcing contact | | **Fondness** | 35% | Successful interactions | Ignoring | | **History** | 25% | Time together | Long absences | ### Special Events | Event | Bonus | |-------|-------| | **First Lap Sit** | +10 trust, +5 fond | | **First Gift** | +5 fond (cat brings you something) | | **Defense** | +10 all (cat protects you) | ### Decay - Fondness: 1 point per session without interaction - Trust: 0.5 points per session - History: Never decays - Can't drop below level floor once reached ## HOME VS LOCATION PROTOCOL **Critical architectural pattern:** ```yaml cat: home: pub/cat-cave/ # Where FILE lives (never moves) location: pub/cat-cave/nap-zone # Where cat currently IS ``` | Concept | Meaning | Example | |---------|---------|---------| | **home:** | File's physical directory | `pub/cat-cave/` | | **location:** | Where character currently is | `pub/` | **Why:** Files don't move. Git tracks field changes, not file moves. ## CAT INSTANCE PATTERN Each cat file overlays this skill: ```yaml # pub/cat-terpie.yml id: terpie type: [cat, character] home: pub/cat-cave/