> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/DarkoniusXNG/Legends-of-Dota-Redux/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# bans.kv

> Ability combination bans, category lists, and multicast exclusions.

`bans.kv` controls which ability combinations are forbidden and which abilities are excluded from mechanics like Multicast or Spell Echo. Most banned pairings are now handled by **ReduxBans flags** set directly on the ability data, but `bans.kv` covers structural rules that cannot be expressed as a simple per-ability flag.

## Top-Level Blocks

| Block                     | Purpose                                                                                          |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `BannedTowerCombinations` | Pairs of tower abilities that cannot coexist on the same tower.                                  |
| `Categories`              | Named groups of spells used as reusable references inside `BannedGroups`.                        |
| `BannedGroups`            | Numbered groups where no two abilities from the same group can be selected together.             |
| `BannedTowerGroups`       | Same concept as `BannedGroups`, but for tower abilities.                                         |
| `noMulticast`             | Abilities that are explicitly excluded from Ogre Magi Multicast triggering.                      |
| `noSpellEcho`             | Abilities that Spell Echo will never echo.                                                       |
| `noWitchcraft`            | Abilities that will not have their cooldowns lowered by the Witchcraft cooldown-reduction patch. |

***

## Categories

Categories define reusable spell groups that can be referenced inside other groups using value `"2"` (as opposed to `"1"` which references a single spell).

```
"Categories"
{
    "SpammableSpells"
    {
        // Include the ToggleSpells list by reference
        "ToggleSpells"                      "2"

        // Individual spammable abilities
        "abaddon_aphotic_shield"            "1"
        "abaddon_death_coil"                "1"
        "antimage_blink"                    "1"
        "bristleback_quill_spray"           "1"
        ...
    }

    "ToggleSpells"
    {
        "pudge_rot"                         "1"  // toggle
        "leshrac_pulse_nova"                "1"  // toggle and low cd
        "morph_agi_int_redux"               "1"  // toggle
        "medusa_split_shot"                 "1"  // toggle
        ...
    }
}
```

<Warning>
  Do not create recursive category references. The ban system has no cycle detection — a category that references itself (directly or indirectly) will loop indefinitely.
</Warning>

***

## BannedGroups

Numbered groups list abilities that are mutually exclusive — a player cannot hold more than one ability from the same group.

```
"BannedGroups"
{
    // One-hit combo group
    "1"
    {
        "brewmaster_drunken_brawler"        "1"
        "earthshaker_enchant_totem"         "1"
        "kunkka_tidebringer"                "1"
        "monkey_king_boundless_strike"      "1"
        "ursa_overpower"                    "1"
        "weaver_geminate_attack"            "1"
        ...
    }

    // Mega range group
    "2"
    {
        "dragon_knight_elder_dragon_form"   "1"
        "sniper_take_aim"                   "1"
        "templar_assassin_psi_blades"       "1"
        "terrorblade_metamorphosis"         "1"
        "winter_wyvern_arctic_burn"         "1"
    }

    // Bash group
    "3"
    {
        "faceless_void_time_lock"           "1"
        "slardar_bash"                      "1"
        "spirit_breaker_greater_bash"       "1"
        ...
    }

    // Cooldown manipulation group
    "5"
    {
        "tinker_rearm"                      "1"
        "death_prophet_witchcraft"          "1"
        "keeper_of_the_light_chakra_magic"  "1"
        "master_magic"                      "1"
        ...
    }
}
```

***

## ReduxBans Flags vs. bans.kv Entries

Redux uses two complementary systems for banning ability combinations:

| System              | Where                                                                         | How                                                                             | Typical Use                                                                                  |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **ReduxBans flags** | On the ability's KV data block (`npc_abilities_custom.txt` or override files) | A `ReduxBans` key lists ability names that this ability cannot be combined with | Simple pairwise "troll combo" bans between two specific abilities                            |
| **bans.kv entries** | In `bans.kv` under `BannedGroups` or `Categories`                             | Groups of 3+ mutually exclusive abilities, or category-level rules              | Complex group bans, mechanic exclusions (multicast, spell echo), spammable-spell enforcement |

### ReduxBans example (in ability data)

```
"lifebreak_redux"
{
    ...
    "ReduxBans"
    {
        "spectre_dispersion"    "1"
    }
}
```

This bans only the specific pair `lifebreak_redux` + `spectre_dispersion`.

### bans.kv example (group ban)

Group `1` (the one-hit combo group) bans any combination of crit/attack-multiplier abilities. Adding a new ability to this group automatically makes it mutually exclusive with every other ability already in the group — no per-pair entries are needed.

***

## noMulticast and noSpellEcho

These lists prevent the Ogre Magi Multicast and Spell Echo mechanics from triggering on abilities that would behave incorrectly when cast multiple times:

```
"noMulticast"
{
    "arc_warden_tempest_double"          "1"  // bugs out
    "alchemist_unstable_concoction_throw" "1" // wastes multicast cd
    "morphling_replicate"               "1"  // bugs out
    ...
}

"noSpellEcho"
{
    "arc_warden_tempest_double"          "1"
    "antimage_blink"                     "1"
    "furion_teleportation"               "1"
    ...
}
```

## noWitchcraft

Abilities listed here will not have their cooldowns lowered by the Witchcraft cooldown-reduction patch applied globally by Redux:

```
"noWitchcraft"
{
    "chi_strike"    "1"
}
```