So this is the “technical” companion to the last news post. Namely, how can I rewrite the stuff in the file so that it looks good?

To start, we have three different (possibly more) XML files called “responses_something.xml” where something is a personality type. Currently, there is mean, calm, and weak. Each one of these has a section for Offensive messages, Defensive messages, and Death messages. The last one is pretty self explanatory, but the other two are a little different than they might sound. The Offensive/Defensive statements are said when the Bot is either in Offensive mode (aka aggressive) or Defensive (aka retreating). Usually these two states line up to when the bot is either chasing you or being chased by you. Within each of these is a <Message> tag, which is where the actual message goes.

Example XML for responses_Calm.xml:

<Personality>

<Offensive>

<Message>Let’s see what you’ve got.</Message>

<Message>This is gonna be fun.</Message>

</Offensive>

<Defensive>

<Message>Playing follow the leader, huh? When’s my turn?</Message>

<Message>You do a good chase, kid. I’m impressed.</Message>

</Defensive>

<Death>

<Message>See you, space cowboy.</Message>

<Message>I shoulda practiced more, huh?</Message>

</Death>

</Personality>

As time goes on there will be more things that go into these, but for now, this is it. Pretty straightforward, eh?