Static Switching SystemDocs
recipe

Wildlife Randomization

Give creature instances a random scale while choosing whether the result persists.

Goal

Randomize the size of creatures, while keeping each creature's result stable across save/load.

Smallest YAML excerpt

instances:
  - conditions:
      - object_type: Creature
    once: true
    actions:
      - transform:
          scale:
            min: 0.5
            max: 2.0

This is the compact form from Examples/InstanceModifier_CreatureScale.yaml.

Why it works

object_type: Creature matches creature objects. transform.scale is relative by default, so the sampled value multiplies the current scale. The table is a random action range and includes the required max. The once: true marker records the rule's applied state for that object after it succeeds.

To deliberately vary an activation-batch effect, use once: per_cell instead. Omitting once lets the rule run whenever the object is activated; with a relative scale this can compound, so use that form only when repeated multiplication is intended.

Persistence

The successful once: true application is represented in SSS's saved once-cache, while the object's transform is part of the saved world state. per_cell tracking is runtime-only and is not a save migration mechanism. Test on a copy of a save before changing a broad rule.

Caveats

  • scale is a relative multiplier unless transform_type: absolute is supplied.
  • A random action range requires max; min is optional for sampled values and defaults according to the consuming action.
  • This rule reaches creatures as they become active, not every creature in unloaded cells at once.
  • Static and instance modules do not compose for one activation. A matching instance rule takes the instance path instead of falling through to static replacement.

The larger Examples/InstanceModifier_WildlifeVariety.yaml also demonstrates record, region, exterior, and per-cell patterns.