ActionEffect System Overview

ActionEffect System Overview

ActionEffects are Cobblemon’s keyframe-based animation and scripting system. Titan uses them to create complex boss attack sequences with precise timing, damage application, and visual effects.

What is an ActionEffect?

An ActionEffect is a timeline of keyframes that execute sequentially to create a complete attack or ability. Think of it like a movie script:

1. Keyframes = Individual actions (stop movement, play animation, show particles, deal damage)
2. Timeline = Sequence of keyframes in order
3. Execution = Keyframes run one after another until complete

Each titan move references one ActionEffect timeline.

Basic Structure

{
  "timeline": [
    {
      "type": "keyframe_type_1",
      "property": "value"
    },
    {
      "type": "keyframe_type_2",
      "property": "value"
    }
  ],
  "condition": "true"
}

Key Components:

• timeline - Array of keyframe objects
• condition - MoLang expression to control execution (optional)

Execution Model

Sequential Processing

Keyframes execute in order, one at a time:

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "2000"},  // Step 1: Freeze titan
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.5},                // Step 2: Wait 0.5s
    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "fireball"},     // Step 3: Define hitbox
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "fireball"},  // Step 4: Show warning
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "fireball"},     // Step 5: Deal damage
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.0}                 // Step 6: End lag
  ]
}

Execution Flow:

1. Titan stops moving for 2 seconds
2. 0.5 second pause
3. OBB defined (instant)
4. Telegraph appears (1-2 seconds based on size)
5. Damage applied to entities in OBB
6. 1 second recovery pause
7. Timeline complete

Timing Control

Control attack pacing with:

pause keyframes:

{"type": "pause", "pause": 1.5}  // Wait 1.5 seconds

duration properties:

{"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "3000"}  // 3000ms = 3s

telegraph_obb auto-timing:

// Telegraph duration calculated from OBB size
{"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "huge_explosion"}  // ~3s warning
{"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "small_slash"}     // ~1s warning

Holds System

Prevent titan from acting during attack:

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},      // Lock titan
    {"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "2500"},
    // ... attack keyframes ...
    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},   // Unlock titan
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.0}
  ]
}

Without holds: Titan could start another attack mid-timeline With holds: Titan locked until remove_holds

Always pair:

• Start timeline with add_holds
• End timeline with remove_holds

ActionEffect Context

When an ActionEffect executes, it has access to:

The User (Titan)

MoLang queries:

• q.user_position - Titan’s current position
• q.user_rotation - Titan’s yaw/pitch
• q.user_health - Current HP
• q.user_max_health - Max HP

Used in:

• OBB positioning (positioning: "AT_USER")
• Conditional keyframes
• Damage calculations

The Target (Player)

MoLang queries:

• q.target_position - Target’s position
• q.target_distance - Distance to target
• q.target_exists - Whether target is valid

Used in:

• OBB positioning (positioning: "AT_TARGET")
• Conditional execution
• Distance-based effects

Custom Variables

Set variables for complex logic:

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "set_variable", "name": "phase", "value": "2"},
    {
      "type": "damage_obb",
      "name": "fireball",
      "damage": "q.variable('phase') * 10"  // 20 damage in phase 2
    }
  ]
}

Conditional Execution

Make keyframes conditional with MoLang:

{
  "type": "damage_obb",
  "name": "electric_field",
  "condition": "q.target_distance <= 5.0"  // Only if target close
}

Common Conditions:

• q.target_distance <= 8.0 - Close range only
• q.user_health / q.user_max_health < 0.33 - Low HP only
• q.is_phase(3) - Phase 3 only
• q.target_exists - Has valid target

Timeline-level condition:

{
  "timeline": [...],
  "condition": "q.target_distance <= 10.0"  // Entire timeline skips if false
}

Integration with Cobblemon

Animation System

Play Cobblemon animations:

{"type": "animation", "animation": "special"}

Common Animations:

• physical - Physical attack
• special - Special attack
• status - Status move
• battle_idle - Return to idle

Custom Animations: Create in pokemon species JSON:

"animations": {
  "titan_roar": "animation.pokemon.titan_roar"
}

Particle System

Use Cobblemon/Minecraft particles:

{
  "type": "entity_particles",
  "particleType": "minecraft:flame",
  "count": 20,
  "spread": {"x": 1.0, "y": 1.0, "z": 1.0}
}

Common Particles:

• minecraft:flame - Fire
• minecraft:electric_spark - Electric
• minecraft:dragon_breath - Dragon
• minecraft:snowflake - Ice
• minecraft:explosion - Explosion

Sound System

Play sounds for impact:

{
  "type": "sound",
  "sound": "entity.generic.explode",
  "volume": "1.0",
  "pitch": "1.0"
}

Common Sounds:

• entity.generic.explode - Explosion
• entity.lightning_bolt.thunder - Thunder
• entity.ender_dragon.growl - Dragon roar
• entity.blaze.shoot - Fire attack

File Organization

Location

Data Pack Structure:

server/
├── data/
│   └── titan/
│       └── action_effects/
│           ├── charizard_inferno_blaze.json
│           ├── mewtwo_psycho_break.json
│           └── ... (30+ effects)

Or:

server/
├── datapacks/
│   └── your_pack/
│       └── data/
│           └── titan/
│               └── action_effects/
│                   └── custom_move.json

Naming Convention

Format: pokemon_move_name.json

Examples:

• charizard_inferno_blaze.json
• mewtwo_psycho_break.json
• rayquaza_draco_meteor.json
• lucario_aura_sphere.json

Referencing in Fight Config

{
  "moves": {
    "inferno_blaze": {
      "name": "Inferno Blaze",
      "actionEffect": "titan:charizard_inferno_blaze",  // namespace:filename
      ...
    }
  }
}

Namespace:

• titan: - Mod resources or data pack under data/titan/
• custom: - Data pack under data/custom/

ActionEffect Categories

Titan uses 23 Cobblemon keyframes + 8 Titan-specific keyframes:

Cobblemon Core Keyframes (23)

Standard Cobblemon ActionEffect keyframes:

• Movement control
• Animation playback
• Particle effects
• Sound effects
• Entity manipulation
• Status effects
• MoLang scripting

See Cobblemon ActionEffect Docs for full reference.

Titan-Specific Keyframes (8)

OBB System (3):

1. define_obb - Create hitbox shape
2. telegraph_obb - Show ground warning
3. damage_obb - Deal damage in OBB

Combat System (2):

1. stop_movement - Freeze titan temporarily
2. set_vulnerable - Set vulnerability state (RECOVERING/EXHAUSTED)

Damage System (3):

1. sequenced_damage - Multiple damage pulses
2. repeating_damage_obb - Continuous damage field
3. delayed_damage_obb - Damage after delay

See OBB System → for Titan keyframes.

Complete Example

Simple Attack (Flamethrower)

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "2000"},

    {"type": "animation", "animation": "special"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.5},

    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "flame", "shape": "CONE", "positioning": "IN_FRONT", "distance": "2.5", "halfExtents": {"x": "2.0", "y": "6.0", "z": "2.0"}, "includePitch": true},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "flame", "telegraphType": "WARNING"},

    {"type": "entity_particles", "particleType": "minecraft:flame", "count": 30},
    {"type": "sound", "sound": "entity.blaze.shoot", "volume": "1.5", "pitch": "0.8"},

    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "flame", "damage": "15.0", "damageType": "FIRE"},

    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.0}
  ],
  "condition": "true"
}

Timeline Breakdown:

1. Lock titan (2000ms)
2. Play special animation
3. 0.5s windup
4. Define cone hitbox in front
5. Show warning markers (~1.5s)
6. Fire particles + sound
7. Deal 15 fire damage
8. Unlock titan
9. 1s recovery

Total Duration: ~5.5 seconds

Complex Attack (Ultimate)

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "5000"},

    {"type": "animation", "animation": "special"},
    {"type": "sound", "sound": "entity.ender_dragon.growl", "volume": "2.0", "pitch": "0.6"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.5},

    {"type": "entity_particles", "particleType": "minecraft:dragon_breath", "count": 50},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.5},

    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "explosion", "shape": "SPHERE", "positioning": "AT_USER", "halfExtents": {"x": "12.0", "y": "12.0", "z": "12.0"}},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "explosion", "telegraphType": "CRITICAL"},

    {"type": "sound", "sound": "entity.generic.explode", "volume": "2.0", "pitch": "0.8"},
    {"type": "entity_particles", "particleType": "minecraft:explosion", "count": 100},

    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "explosion", "damage": "40.0", "damageType": "EXPLOSION", "knockback": "3.0"},

    {"type": "set_vulnerable", "vulnerabilityState": "EXHAUSTED"},
    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 3.0}
  ],
  "condition": "q.user_health / q.user_max_health < 0.33"
}

Timeline Breakdown:

1. Lock titan (5000ms)
2. Play animation + roar sound
3. 1.5s dramatic pause
4. Dragon breath particles
5. 0.5s charge
6. Define massive sphere
7. Show CRITICAL warning (~3s)
8. Explosion sound + particles
9. Deal 40 damage + knockback
10. Enter EXHAUSTED state (vulnerable)
11. Unlock titan
12. 3s recovery

Total Duration: ~10 seconds Condition: Only at <33% HP

Best Practices

Timing

Attack Pacing:

• Quick attacks: 2-4 seconds total
• Medium attacks: 4-6 seconds total
• Ultimate attacks: 8-12 seconds total

Telegraph Duration:

• Small OBB (<5 blocks): ~1s warning
• Medium OBB (5-8 blocks): ~1.5-2s warning
• Large OBB (8-12 blocks): ~2-3s warning
• Massive OBB (12+ blocks): ~3-4s warning

Recovery Windows:

• Always include pause after damage
• Match recovery to attack power
• 1-3 second pause is standard

Structure

Always Include:

1. add_holds at start
2. stop_movement if titan should freeze
3. Telegraph before damage
4. remove_holds before end
5. Final pause for recovery

Recommended Order:

1. Locks (add_holds, stop_movement)
2. Windup (animation, particles, sounds)
3. Pause (charge time)
4. Define OBB
5. Telegraph OBB
6. Damage OBB
7. Unlocks (remove_holds)
8. Recovery pause

Performance

Keep Timelines Lean:

• Avoid excessive particles (>100 per effect)
• Don’t spam sounds
• Use appropriate OBB sizes
• Limit keyframe count (<20 per timeline)

Optimize OBBs:

• Match size to visual effect
• Don’t make everything huge
• Use appropriate shapes
• Test performance with multiple titans

Debugging

Test Incrementally:

1. Start with basic timeline (just damage)
2. Add telegraph
3. Add particles/sounds
4. Add holds/pauses
5. Test timing

Common Issues:

• Timeline too fast? Add more pause keyframes
• Titan moving during attack? Check stop_movement duration
• Damage not applying? Verify OBB positioning
• Players can’t dodge? Increase telegraph duration

Creating Custom ActionEffects

Method 1: Interactive Builder

Use the ActionEffect Builder → for visual timeline creation:

1. Add keyframes from library
2. Configure properties
3. Preview timeline
4. Export JSON
5. Save to data pack

Best for: New users, prototyping, visual learners

Method 2: Manual JSON

Edit JSON files directly:

1. Copy existing ActionEffect
2. Modify keyframes
3. Adjust timing
4. Test in-game
5. Iterate

Best for: Advanced users, complex logic, version control

Method 3: Hybrid

Start with builder, finish with manual editing:

1. Build basic timeline in builder
2. Export JSON
3. Add advanced features manually
4. Test and refine

Best for: Most users, balanced workflow

Loading and Reloading

Initial Load

ActionEffects load on server start from:

1. Mod resources (titan.jar internal files)
2. Data packs (datapacks/*/data/titan/action_effects/)

Reloading

/titan reload

Reloads:

• All fight configs
• All ActionEffects from data packs
• All state machines

Does NOT reload:

• Existing titan entities (spawn new ones to test)
• Mod internal ActionEffects (requires restart)

Testing Changes

Workflow:

1. Edit ActionEffect JSON
2. /titan reload
3. Spawn fresh titan
4. Test attack
5. Adjust and repeat

Tip: Use creative mode with god mode to survive testing.

Common Patterns

Pattern: Basic Melee Attack

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "animation", "animation": "physical"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.3},
    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "slash", "shape": "ARC", "positioning": "IN_FRONT", "distance": "2.0", "halfExtents": {"x": "3.0", "y": "2.0", "z": "3.0"}},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "slash", "telegraphType": "WARNING"},
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "slash", "damage": "10.0"},
    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.5}
  ]
}

Pattern: Ranged Projectile

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "1500"},
    {"type": "animation", "animation": "special"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.5},
    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "beam", "shape": "CYLINDER", "positioning": "IN_FRONT", "distance": "5.0", "halfExtents": {"x": "1.0", "y": "10.0", "z": "1.0"}, "includePitch": true},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "beam", "telegraphType": "DANGER"},
    {"type": "entity_particles", "particleType": "minecraft:electric_spark", "count": 40},
    {"type": "sound", "sound": "entity.lightning_bolt.thunder"},
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "beam", "damage": "18.0", "damageType": "ELECTRIC"},
    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.0}
  ]
}

Pattern: AOE Explosion

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "stop_movement", "duration": "3000"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.0},
    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "blast", "shape": "SPHERE", "positioning": "AT_TARGET", "halfExtents": {"x": "8.0", "y": "8.0", "z": "8.0"}},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "blast", "telegraphType": "DANGER"},
    {"type": "entity_particles", "particleType": "minecraft:explosion", "count": 50},
    {"type": "sound", "sound": "entity.generic.explode", "volume": "1.5"},
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "blast", "damage": "25.0", "knockback": "2.0"},
    {"type": "set_vulnerable", "vulnerabilityState": "RECOVERING"},
    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 2.0}
  ]
}

Pattern: Multi-Hit Combo

{
  "timeline": [
    {"type": "add_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},

    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "hit1", "shape": "ARC", "positioning": "IN_FRONT", "distance": "1.5", "halfExtents": {"x": "2.5", "y": "2.0", "z": "2.5"}},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "hit1", "telegraphType": "WARNING"},
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "hit1", "damage": "6.0"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.4},

    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "hit2", "shape": "ARC", "positioning": "IN_FRONT", "distance": "1.5", "halfExtents": {"x": "2.5", "y": "2.0", "z": "2.5"}},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "hit2", "telegraphType": "WARNING"},
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "hit2", "damage": "6.0"},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 0.4},

    {"type": "define_obb", "name": "hit3", "shape": "ARC", "positioning": "IN_FRONT", "distance": "2.0", "halfExtents": {"x": "3.5", "y": "2.5", "z": "3.5"}},
    {"type": "telegraph_obb", "name": "hit3", "telegraphType": "DANGER"},
    {"type": "damage_obb", "name": "hit3", "damage": "12.0", "knockback": "1.5"},

    {"type": "remove_holds", "holds": ["effects"]},
    {"type": "pause", "pause": 1.0}
  ]
}

Next Steps

• OBB System → - Detailed OBB documentation
• ActionEffect Builder → - Interactive timeline editor
• Creating Custom Moves → - Complete workflow guide

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Master ActionEffects to create unforgettable boss fights! ⚡