CustomDeathMessages

📜 CHANGELOG - CustomDeathMessages v1.2

🎯 Focused on Accuracy & Stability
This update is a direct response to community feedback regarding nickname integration. We have completely overhauled how the plugin retrieves player names to ensure 100% compatibility with Essentials, alongside major internal stability improvements to eliminate hidden background errors.

🐛 Critical Bug Fixes

• ✅ Fixed: Essentials Nicknames Not Showing in Death Messages
  *Addressing user feedback: "Seeking help with CustomDeathMessage plugin. The only feature I want is to replace the normal username with the essentials nickname of all players (victim and killer) in all places. Everything I have tried config wise either doesn't work and uses default. Or uses usernames and not nicknames."
  What was wrong: The plugin was relying solely on Minecraft's base API to get names, which only returns raw usernames (e.g., Steve). It wasn't actually "talking" to Essentials to fetch the custom nicknames (e.g., [Admin] Steve).
  What we did: We built a dedicated, safe integration system (EssentialsHook) directly into the plugin's core. Now, whenever a death occurs, the plugin securely checks Essentials first. This applies to:

  • The {victim} placeholder.
  • The {killer_name} placeholder.
  • The {killer_displayname} placeholder.
  • Killers shooting from a distance (e.g., bows, crossbows).
  • Respawn messages ({player}).

• ✅ Fixed: "Uses Default" Fallback Loop
  Related to the issue above, if the plugin struggled to format a message because of a missing nickname, it would sometimes abort and print the hardcoded default message instead of your custom messages.yml text. The new hook prevents this fallback loop, ensuring your custom messages always parse correctly.

🌟 New Features & Placeholder Updates

• ✅ Added: "Raw Username" Placeholders
  Because the plugin now prioritizes Essentials nicknames by default, we added two new placeholders just in case you specifically need the underlying Minecraft username for a specific custom message format:
  • {victim_username} → Shows the raw Minecraft name (e.g., Notch).
  • {killer_username} → Shows the killer's raw Minecraft name.

🛠️ Significant Refinements & Improvements

• ✅ Improved: Core Engine Stability & Java 8 Compatibility
  We performed a deep cleanup of the plugin's internal code to guarantee it runs flawlessly on servers using Java 8. This eliminates several hidden "silent errors" that were occurring in the background, improving overall server performance and ensuring death messages trigger instantly without delay.

• ✅ Improved: Sound & Biome Detection Accuracy
  Fixed how the plugin reads server data for biomes, potion effects, and custom sounds. Values like {biome} will now format perfectly in all supported Minecraft versions without throwing hidden warnings in your console.

• ✅ Improved: Safe Plugin Loading
  If Essentials is not installed on your server, the plugin will now detect this instantly and gracefully fall back to standard Minecraft usernames without throwing any errors or lagging the startup process.

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💡 Upgrade Notes for Server Admins

• No configuration changes required: Your config.yml and messages.yml do not need to be modified. The {victim} and {killer_name} placeholders will automatically start pulling Essentials nicknames upon updating.
• Soft Dependency: Make sure Essentials is installed before CustomDeathMessages if you want to use nicknames. If Essentials is installed later, simply run /cdm reload.

📜 CHANGELOG - CustomDeathMessages v1.1

⚠️ A Sincere Apology
We sincerely apologize for any instability or missing features in v1.0. This major update introduces a complete architectural redesign to enhance reliability, maintainability, and future extensibility. Thank you for your patience and invaluable feedback.

🗑️ Removed Features

• ❌ Removed: In-Game Configuration Editor (/cdm editor)
  The in-game editor has been completely removed from the plugin. This decision was made to streamline development, improve stability, and focus resources on core features like the new broadcast system. All configuration must now be managed by directly editing the config.yml and messages.yml files.

🌟 Major New Features

• ✅ Added: Advanced Broadcast System
  Introduce fine-grained control over who sees death effects (messages, sounds, particles, titles, action bars) with four new broadcast modes:

  • GLOBAL: All online players on the server
  • WORLD: All players in the same world
  • RADIUS: Players within a configurable distance
  • VICTIM_ONLY: Only the dying player
    Configurable globally and per-effect type directly in config.yml.

• ✅ Added: Powerful /cdm broadcast Command Suite
  A new admin command to test and trigger broadcast effects manually:

  • /cdm broadcast sound <mode> [radius] [sound]
  • /cdm broadcast particle <mode> [radius] [particle]
  • /cdm broadcast message <mode> <message>
  • /cdm broadcast test – Simulates all broadcast modes
  • /cdm broadcast global <type> – Send an effect to all players instantly.

• ✅ Added: Full Support for Minecraft 1.21.11
  The plugin has been updated and thoroughly tested to be fully compatible with Minecraft 1.21.11, including all new sounds, particles, biome names, and API changes introduced in this version. Configuration defaults and validation now reflect 1.21.11 standards.

🐛 Critical Bug Fixes

• ✅ Fixed: Inaccurate Killer & Source Identification
  The system for determining {killer_name} (the responsible entity) and {killer_source} (the direct damage source, like an arrow or TNT) has been completely rewritten. It now correctly handles:

  • Projectiles (arrows, fireballs) from players, mobs, and dispensers.
  • Direct entity attacks (players, zombies, creepers).
  • Edge cases where the default game API returns incomplete data.

• ✅ Fixed: Server Startup Crash on Invalid Configuration
  In v1.0, certain misconfigurations could cause the plugin to crash during server startup. This has been resolved with a safer, staged initialization process that guarantees all internal systems load in the correct order.

• ✅ Fixed: Incorrect Placeholder Values
  Placeholders like {distance}, {biome}, and {victim_effects} now display accurate, properly formatted values (e.g., "nether_wastes" is now shown as "Nether Wastes").

🛠️ Significant Refinements & Improvements

• ✅ Refined: Configuration & Messages Structure

  • config.yml now includes new, intuitive settings for the broadcast system (sound-broadcast-mode, particle-broadcast-mode, and a unified effects-broadcast section).
  • messages.yml is now on version 1.1 and includes a new broadcast-system section with fully configurable messages for all new /cdm broadcast commands.

• ✅ Enhanced: Configuration Validation
  The /cdm config validate command now checks the new broadcast settings for validity, preventing misconfiguration and providing clearer, more actionable feedback.

• ✅ Plugin Version Bump
  The plugin’s version has been officially updated to 1.1 to reflect this major feature release.

📜 CHANGELOG - CustomDeathMessages v1.0.0

⚠️ A Sincere Apology
I deeply apologize for the extended 4-week gap without updates and for not addressing these critical issues sooner. Thank you for your patience and continued support.

🐛 Critical Bug Fixes

• ✅ Fixed: Broken Killer Tracking & Generic Messages
  The plugin consistently failed to identify the correct killer ({killer_name}) and damage source ({killer_source}), resulting in generic "Unknown" messages. The DamageTracker and message formatter have been overhauled to accurately track and display killer information in all scenarios.

• ✅ Fixed: In-Game Editor Inventory (80% Non-Functional)
  The /cdm editor inventory was largely unresponsive, with most slots failing to register clicks or open sub-menus. This has been resolved; the editor is now stable and functional for basic navigation and message editing.

ℹ️ Important Notes

• 🛠️ Editor Status: Early Access (≈30% Complete)
  While the core functionality of the in-game editor now works, it is not fully implemented. Features like editing global config, world-specific messages, and epic message lists are either limited or not yet functional. The editor is provided as an early-access tool for basic message customization, with full completion planned for a future release.

📜 CHANGELOG - CustomDeathMessages v0.0.9

The plugin continues to evolve! Version 0.0.9 introduces a comprehensive command restructuring that unifies all functionality under a single command interface while simplifying permissions and improving the overall user experience. This release focuses on consistency, usability, and maintainability, making the plugin more intuitive for administrators and reducing complexity for end-users.

⚠️ UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS
No special migration steps are required for this update. However, please note:

1. The previous separate commands (/cdmreload, /cdmconfig, etc.) will no longer function as standalone commands
2. All functionality is now accessed through the unified /cdm command
3. Your existing configuration files will work without modification
4. Permissions have been simplified - if you were using the old permission system, no changes are needed
5. The messages.yml file has been reorganized and translated from Spanish to English - If you want to use the updated structure, you should delete your existing messages.yml file and let the plugin regenerate it with the new format. If you prefer to keep your current configuration, no action is needed as the plugin will maintain compatibility with your existing file.

✨ New Features

• Added: Unified Command System
  All commands have been consolidated under a single /cdm command structure:

  • /cdm test - Test death messages (replaces /cdm test)
  • /cdm editor - Open configuration editor (replaces /cdm editor)
  • /cdm help - Access help system (replaces /cdmhelp)
  • /cdm config validate - Validate configuration (replaces /cdmconfig)
  • /cdm reload - Reload configuration (replaces /cdmreload)
  • This simplifies command management and provides a consistent interface

• Added: Base Permission System
  A new base permission cdm.use has been introduced:

  • Grants access to the main /cdm command and its subcommands
  • Default: true (all players can use the command)
  • Other permissions (cdm.reload, cdm.editor, etc.) now function as sub-permissions within the unified system

• Added: Enhanced Command Tab Completion
  A new unified tab completer provides context-aware suggestions:

  • Shows only relevant subcommands based on user permissions
  • Provides contextual suggestions as you type
  • Improves discoverability of available commands and parameters

• Added: Streamlined Help System
  The help system has been updated to reflect the new command structure:

  • Now provides clear guidance on the unified command interface
  • Includes examples of the new command syntax
  • Maintains all the interactive features from previous versions

• Added: Reorganized & Translated Messages Configuration
  The messages.yml file has been completely restructured and translated to English:

  • All sections previously in Spanish are now in English
  • More consistent structure for easier navigation
  • No functional changes - only language and organization
  • Note: If you want to use the new structure, delete your existing messages.yml and let the plugin generate a new one

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Fixed: Command Permission Conflicts
  Resolved issues where permission checks failed due to the previous fragmented command system, ensuring consistent permission handling.

• Fixed: Tab Completion Conflicts
  Fixed tab completion issues that occurred when multiple commands with the same name but different permissions were registered.

• Fixed: Command Execution Flow
  Corrected edge cases where command execution would fail when using certain parameter combinations with the previous command structure.

🛠️ Improvements & Optimizations

• Improved: Code Architecture
  Restructured command handling to use a single executor pattern, reducing code duplication and improving maintainability.

• Improved: Resource Management
  Optimized the reinitialization process when reloading configuration, ensuring all dependent components are properly reset.

• Improved: Error Handling
  Enhanced error messages when using invalid subcommands or parameters, providing clearer guidance to users.

• Optimized: Permission System
  Simplified the permission structure with a logical hierarchy that's easier to understand and manage:

  • cdm.use (base access)
  • cdm.reload (advanced permissions)
  • cdm.editor (specialized access)
  • cdm.test (testing access)

With version 0.0.9, CustomDeathMessages delivers a more cohesive, professional, and user-friendly interface while maintaining all the powerful features from previous versions. The unified command system provides a consistent experience across all plugin functionality, and the improved permission structure makes administration simpler. The reorganization of messages.yml and translation to English ensures better compatibility with international server environments while maintaining full backward compatibility. These changes lay the foundation for future enhancements while delivering immediate improvements to the day-to-day experience of using the plugin.

📜 CHANGELOG - CustomDeathMessages v0.0.8

The evolution continues! Version 0.0.8 builds upon the solid foundation of v0.0.7 with two essential new tools: a built-in in-game configuration editor and automatic update notifications. This release focuses on improved administrator experience, transparency, and accessibility, ensuring your custom death message configuration is more manageable than ever.

⚠️ UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS
To fully leverage the new features:

1. Back up your current messages.yml file
2. Delete the messages.yml file from your server's plugins/CustomDeathMessages/ folder
3. Restart or reload the server. The plugin will generate new configuration files with all new options
4. Manually transfer your custom messages from your backup to the new messages.yml

✨ New Features

• Added: In-Game Configuration Editor (/cdm editor)
  The flagship feature of this version! This interactive system allows administrators to edit configuration directly from the game without needing to access server files:

  • Intuitive menu navigation with categories for groups, causes, and settings
  • Real-time message preview with placeholder substitution
  • Validation of placeholders during editing
  • Confirmation before saving changes
  • Supports editing conditional messages and group-specific messages (default, vip, admin)
  • New permission node cdm.editor for access control

• Added: Update Notification System
  The plugin now automatically checks for new versions on startup and notifies administrators when they join the server:

  • Checks Modrinth for updates on server startup
  • Notifies players with cdm.admin permission or OP when they join
  • Configurable notification messages in messages.yml
  • Direct link to the plugin page for easy updating

• Added: New /cdm editor Command
  A dedicated entry point to access the in-game configuration editor. Requires the cdm.editor permission.

• Added: Support for Minecraft 1.21.9 and 1.21.10
  The plugin has been verified to work with the latest Minecraft versions, ensuring compatibility with the newest server features and mechanics.

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Fixed: Improved Validation System
  The configuration validator now provides more detailed error descriptions, especially for conditional messages, making it easier to identify and fix configuration issues.

• Fixed: Editor Compatibility
  Fixed issues that could occur when editing messages while the plugin was reloading, ensuring a more stable editing experience.

🛠️ Improvements & Optimizations

• Improved: Administrator Experience
  The in-game editor eliminates the need for manual file editing, significantly reducing the risk of syntax errors and making configuration changes faster and safer.

• Improved: Help System
  The help system has been optimized to integrate with the new editor, providing contextual information about how to use the new features.

• Improved: Update Transparency
  The update notification system keeps administrators informed about new versions without disrupting regular players.

• Optimized: Configuration Structure
  The new messages.yml has been reorganized with the editor in mind, making it easier to understand and maintain.

With v0.0.8, CustomDeathMessages is not only more powerful but also more accessible and transparent. The in-game editor represents a major leap forward in administrator experience, while the update notifications keep you informed about future improvements to the plugin. The addition of Minecraft 1.21.9 and 1.21.10 support ensures you can use the latest Minecraft features while enjoying customized death messages.