DECORATE format specification

From ZDoom Wiki

This page describes the format to create a new actor in the DECORATE lump:

actor classname [ : parentclassname] [replaces replaceclassname] [doomednum]
{
  properties
  flags
  ...
}

• classname

The name this new actor is referenced by in the game.

• parentclassname

The name of a parent class this new actor inherits its attributes from (optional).

• replaceclassname

The name of the class this class replaces (optional). This works at a higher level than using duplicate doomednums and will affect all attempts to spawn the replaced actor. However, this doesn't work fully for inventory items and custom player classes.

• doomednum

Editor number for this actor (optional).

An actor definition consists of properties, flags and state definitions. In the state definitions you can call Action functions.

Actor properties and flags define the general behavior of an actor.

States define the various sprite animations of an actor.

Action functions (a.k.a. code pointers) cause the actor to perform some particular action when the frame that calls them is shown. They form the basis of almost all enemy and weapon behaviour in the game. Instead of using one of the special action functions you can also use any action special that is available in ACS.