Sign Translation Detection

Optional enhancement for mods that do not register plugin channels, but expose unique translation keys in client language files.

How it works (short version)

1. On join, the plugin opens a virtual sign to the player
2. Sign lines use Component.translatable(<key>)
3. If the client translates the key to something other than the raw key string, that client has the mod owning the key → hit

Version requirements

• Needs Paper 1.21.5+ Player#openVirtualSign (not available on 1.21.4 or earlier)
• Spigot and some Paper forks (Purpur / Pufferfish / Leaves, etc.) may lack the API depending on upstream tracking
• If the API is missing, the module auto-disables at startup and logs which class/method failed; main channel detection is unaffected

Config example

extra-detections:
  sign-translation:
    enabled: true
    skip-bedrock-via-floodgate: true   # skip Bedrock when floodgate is present
    mods:
      Freecam:
        detect:
          key: "key.freecam.toggle"
        punishment:
          action: "KICK"               # NOTICE | KICK | BAN | IGNORE
          reason: "&c&lWarning: Please do not use &b&lFreecam &c&lon this server."

      AccurateBlockPlacement:
        detect:
          key: "key.category.accurateblockplacement.category"
        punishment:
          action: "KICK"
          reason: "&c..."

      # Multiple keys: any one translated → hit
      # Xaero:
      #   detect:
      #     keys:
      #       - "key.xaero_open_map"
      #       - "key.xaero_zoom_in"
      #   punishment:
      #     action: "KICK"
      #     reason: "&cXaero's Map detected."

detect

Field	Description
key	A single translation key
keys	Multiple keys; any hit counts (useful across versions / keybind names)

punishment.action

Action	Meaning
NOTICE	Notify (no kick)
KICK	Kick
BAN	Ban (per plugin implementation)
IGNORE	Ignore / log-only use

Finding translation keys

1. Unpack the mod jar and open assets/.../lang/*.json
2. Pick a key that is unique to that mod (often key.* keybinds)
3. Put it in detect.key / detect.keys, reload, and test

TIP

/modblocker check <player> also triggers a sign check when supported — watch the console for results.