> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mbcz.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> Install CauseChain next to CoreProtect on Paper or Folia.

## Requirements

* **Server software:** Paper or Folia with Paper API `1.21`
* **Java:** Java 21 or newer (Paper 26.x servers typically need Java 25+)
* **Recommended:** CoreProtect (or another block logger) already running
* **Optional:** WorldGuard, GriefPrevention, WorldEdit or FastAsyncWorldEdit, PlaceholderAPI

CauseChain is a companion. Keep your logger. Do not remove CoreProtect because you installed CauseChain.

Download `CauseChain-1.0.0.jar` from [Spigot](https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/causechain-you-died-type-why-get-the-chain.138395/). The [Modrinth project](https://modrinth.com/plugin/causechain) exists and may still be under review.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="SpigotMC" icon="download" href="https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/causechain-you-died-type-why-get-the-chain.138395/">
    Download CauseChain 1.0.0 from Spigot.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Modrinth" icon="download" href="https://modrinth.com/plugin/causechain">
    CauseChain on Modrinth. The listing may still be under review.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Install CauseChain

1. Stop the server (or wait for a planned restart). Do not use Bukkit `/reload`.
2. Place `CauseChain-1.0.0.jar` in the `plugins` folder.
3. Leave CoreProtect (and WorldGuard / GriefPrevention if you use them) installed.
4. Start the server so CauseChain writes `plugins/CauseChain/`.
5. No license key, no extra config, and no account for the five jobs.

```text theme={null}
plugins/CauseChain-1.0.0.jar
plugins/CoreProtect.jar          # keep this
plugins/WorldGuard.jar           # optional, named deny
plugins/GriefPrevention.jar      # optional, named deny
plugins/WorldEdit.jar            # or FastAsyncWorldEdit
```

Soft-depends never crash the plugin when missing. `/cc adapters` reports what was detected.

## First checks

After the server is up, as an operator:

```text theme={null}
/cc adapters
/cc status
/why
```

`/cc adapters` should list WorldGuard, GriefPrevention, WorldEdit, and CoreProtect as detected when those plugins are present. CoreProtect detection means coexistence only — CauseChain does **not** query CoreProtect history.

`/why` with no death yet replies with the no-death line. After you die, `/why` explains the captured chain.

## Player smoke test

1. Die once (void, fall, or TNT). Run `/why`.
2. As a visitor in a WorldGuard region with `block-place deny`, try to place a block, then `/why deny`.
3. Stand on a block with no captured chain and `/why here`. You should see the land name and `Use CoreProtect /co i for who placed this block.`

## Files written on first boot

| Path                                  | Purpose                                                   |
| ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| `plugins/CauseChain/config.yml`       | Capture, retention, queue, visuals, privacy, integrations |
| `plugins/CauseChain/messages.yml`     | MiniMessage chat strings                                  |
| `plugins/CauseChain/` SQLite database | Causal graph (local, bounded)                             |

Edit config, then `/cc reload` for safe keys. Invalid privacy flags (`telemetry`, chat/command storage) are rejected; the last known-good config stays active. See [Configuration](/causechain/configuration).

## Support

<Card title="Join Discord" icon="discord" href="https://discord.gg/kgHNjJsB2t">
  Install questions and support.
</Card>