From c55d0e4150b23f2c5c9f96bbc3d4dc2fc6dbaa36 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: historia <[not public]>
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:37:20 -0400
Subject: feat: yaml conversation trees more robust

---
 building_guide/mobs.md | 39 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------
 1 file changed, 33 insertions(+), 6 deletions(-)

(limited to 'building_guide/mobs.md')

diff --git a/building_guide/mobs.md b/building_guide/mobs.md
index d10f685..32ee408 100644
--- a/building_guide/mobs.md
+++ b/building_guide/mobs.md
@@ -77,18 +77,46 @@ ranged_defense: 3
 
 ### Protected/Unique Mobs
 
-Mob with talk behavior — can be talked to via `talk:` inline config:
+Protected mobs cannot be attacked. All combat and stat fields (`attack`, `strength`,
+`defense`, `hp`, `speed`, `attack_type`, `attack_bonus`, `strength_bonus`,
+`*_defense`, `weakness`, `size`, `drops`, `aggressive`, `respawn_ticks`) are
+**optional for protected mobs** — omit them entirely. Protected mobs don't show
+a combat level in room listings or when examined.
+
+Minimal protected mob (shopkeeper, quest giver, NPC):
+```yaml
+name: flight attendant
+description: A smiling flight attendant in a crisp uniform.
+unique: true                    # displays as "Flight attendant" not "a flight attendant"
+protected: true                 # cannot be attacked, combat stats are optional
+idle_descriptions:
+  - adjusts her name badge
+  - smiles politely at passengers
+talk:                           # inline talk config
+    nodes:
+        start:
+            message: "\"Welcome aboard!\""
+            options:
+                - text: "\"What should I do?\""
+                  goto: check_sign
+                - text: "\"Goodbye.\""
+        check_sign:
+            message: "\"Review the safety information.\""
+            options:
+                - text: "\"Will do.\""
+```
+
+Protected mob with combat stats (for internal testing or debug purposes):
 ```yaml
 name: "Guard"
-talk:                           # inline talk config (no separate behavior file)
+unique: true
+protected: true
+talk:
     nodes:
         start:
             message: "\"Halt! Who goes there?\""
             options:
                 - text: "\"Just passing through.\""
-                  end: true
-unique: true                    # displays as "Guard" not "a guard"
-protected: true                 # cannot be attacked
 attack: 5
 strength: 5
 defense: 5
@@ -106,7 +134,6 @@ science_defense: -5
 ranged_defense: 12
 idle_descriptions:
   - "scans the area with a watchful eye"
-  - "adjusts the grip on his weapon"
 ```
 
 Note: `wander_rooms` and `wander_interval` are NOT set on the mob definition. Wander config
-- 
cgit v1.2.3