Hands-On Usage
character_list_tooltip is commonly used in decisions or event options to display to the player a list of characters currently meeting specific conditions, such as listing all generals or advisors with a particular trait, allowing the player to make an informed choice before selecting. Combined with random_select_amount, you can display only a random number of characters in the popup, making it suitable for creating preview tooltips for "random recruitment" style decisions.
activate_targeted_decision = {
target = ROOT
decision = my_recruit_decision
custom_effect_tooltip = my_recruit_decision_tt
}
character_list_tooltip = {
limit = {
has_trait = skilled_staffer
}
random_select_amount = 3
}
Synergy
[any_character](/wiki/trigger/any_character) — Before writing the limit block, use this trigger first to verify whether characters meeting the conditions exist, avoiding the awkwardness of displaying an empty list.
[every_character](/wiki/effect/every_character) — Usually shares the same limit filtering conditions with this effect; one is responsible for displaying the list while the other executes operations in bulk on the filtered characters, logically forming a "preview + execute" pairing.
[activate_targeted_decision](/wiki/effect/activate_targeted_decision) — Character list tooltips are typically attached alongside a decision's custom_effect_tooltip, informing the player in advance which characters will be affected by the decision.
[has_character](/wiki/trigger/has_character) — Used as an outer trigger to ensure the target character actually exists in that country, preventing the limit filter from resulting in empty display content.
Common Pitfalls
- Using it outside COUNTRY scope: This effect only works within COUNTRY scope. If mistakenly placed in STATE or UNIT_LEADER scope, it will not error but will silently fail, making it extremely difficult to detect during debugging.
- Mistakenly assuming it executes operations:
character_list_tooltip only generates tooltip text for display and does not produce any actual effects on the listed characters; beginners often incorrectly believe it can simultaneously trigger character-related logic and should be paired with effects like every_character to handle actual operations separately.