CustomDeathMessages

# 📚 Custom Death Messages - Official Documentation (v1.3) > **Turn every death into a cinematic moment… or an EPIC apocalypse. Now with a unified command system, simplified permissions, and **fine-grained broadcast control** for every effect.** `CustomDeathMessages` is a Spigot/Paper plugin for Minecraft servers that **replaces boring, default death messages** with **custom, dynamic, colorful messages**, complete with optional **sound effects, particle explosions, screen titles, action bars, economic costs, and even a "darken screen" effect**. Version **1.3** is a **major feature release** that builds on the stable foundation of v1.0 by introducing a **powerful new broadcast system**, **dedicated testing commands**, **full support for Minecraft 1.21.11**, and the **complete removal of the in-game editor** to prioritize core stability and performance. This release focuses on **precision, control, and reliability**, giving server administrators unprecedented control over who experiences each death effect. > **⚠️ UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS** > Your existing configuration files are fully compatible. However, please note these important changes: > 1. **Editor Removal:** The in-game configuration editor (`/cdm editor`) has been **completely removed** from the plugin. All configuration must now be done manually by editing the `config.yml` and `messages.yml` files. > 2. **New Broadcast System:** The plugin now offers four modes for controlling who sees death effects. Your old `message-to-*` settings are respected, but you can now use the new, more powerful `effects-broadcast` section in `config.yml`. > 3. **New Commands:** A powerful new `/cdm broadcast` command suite has been added for testing and triggering effects. > 4. **Minecraft 1.21.11 Support:** The plugin has been updated and tested for the latest Minecraft version. > 5. **Internal Architecture:** The plugin's core has been completely refactored for better reliability and future development. You, as a user, won't see any difference in basic functionality, but it's more stable and maintainable. --- ## 🧩 Features * **Death Cause Messages:** Unique messages for `FALL`, `FIRE`, `ENTITY_ATTACK`, `DROWNING`, `VOID`, and more. * **Permission-Based Groups:** VIPs, Admins, or default players get tailored messages and sounds. * **Per-World Overrides:** Define special messages for `world_nether`, `world_the_end`, or any custom world. * **Visual Effects:** * Particle explosions (`EXPLOSION`, `FLAME`, etc.) * Screen Titles & Subtitles (`&cYOU DIED`) * Action Bar messages (`&c{victim} died!`) * "Darken Screen" effect using ambient particles (e.g., `CLOUD`, `SMOKE`) * **Custom Sounds:** Global or per-group death sounds with adjustable volume and pitch. * **Advanced Placeholders:** * `{victim}` — Player who died. * `{killer_name}` — The **entity RESPONSIBLE** for the kill (e.g., the Skeleton who shot the arrow). * `{killer_source}` — The **DIRECT source** of the damage (e.g., "Arrow", "Lava", "Fireball"). * `{killer_displayname}` — Killer's display name (supports colors/nicks from plugins like EssentialsX or LuckPerms). * `{cause}` — Technical death cause (e.g., `FALL`, `ENTITY_ATTACK`). * `{world}` — World name. * `{biome}` — Biome name (e.g., "Plains", "Nether Wastes", "Deep Dark"). * `{x}`, `{y}`, `{z}` — Death coordinates. * `{time}` — Server time (format from `config.yml`). * `{distance}` — Distance (blocks) between victim and killer, with one decimal (e.g., "5.2"). * `{victim_weapon}` — Name of the weapon in the victim's main hand. * `{victim_effects}` — List of active potion effects on the victim. * **PlaceholderAPI Support:** Expand functionality with external placeholders. * **Respawn Message:** Welcome players back with a custom message on respawn. * **Live Reload:** Use `/cdm reload` to apply config changes without restarting. **Features atomic reload: if the new config fails, it reverts to the old one.** * **Test Command:** Use `/cdm test <CAUSE> ` to preview messages. You can specify both the responsible entity and the direct damage source. * **Bypass Permission:** Players with `cdm.bypass` won't trigger death messages (ideal for staff). * **Message Cooldown System:** Prevents the same random message from being shown to a player consecutively. * **Epic Death System:** A configurable chance for a death to be **EPIC**, featuring unique messages, sounds, particles, titles, and a **lightning strike**. * **Vault Economy Integration:** Charge players for displaying death messages. Exempt groups (like admins) from paying. * **In-Game Help (`/cdm help`):** A multi-page, fully configurable help system accessible directly in-game. Dynamically generated and permission-controlled. * **Conditional Messages:** Show different messages based on complex conditions using `AND`, `OR`, `equals`, `startsWith`, `endsW