What is random, what is not?

[Eightball]

One of the things I enjoy about games in this genre is when there is a randomness involved with things such as encounters, resources and points-of-interest.

From what I can gather the map in Wartales is static and unchanging. I also am to understand there is a structured and non changing 'quest line' in each region.

I can understand the static map (and would hope other maps would be introduced in later content drops) and can live with the non changing mission structure (although randomly generated missions -enemies, battle maps, rewards- generated to meet the over arcing static story goals is much preferred).

But for me, what makes games like this worthy of multiple play throughs is how much randomly generated content there is when starting a new game and how many customization options there are for party members (the latter helps you form an attachment to your characters).

So for all of you playing can you tell me how much and in what areas is randomization used and what will motivate a player to undertake multiple playthroughs?

[Plinto]

Right now it seems like nothing is random except the appearance, names, and class of the mercenaries for hire that appear in taverns. The job board seems slightly randomized but the quest pool is so small right now that it doesn't really offer a truly unique experience each time.

As far as I can tell, there is absolutely zero character customization apart from how you spend points on their skills. No hairs, beards, skins, outfits, nothing. It's just armor pieces and weapons and everyone starts out in identical rags. You can't even choose unique color schemes for them.

[DeadSilent]

Mercenary customization, even on a limited scale like hair/facial hair, would go a long way to extend longevity on a game such as this. I would be fine with the option to customize your initial party members, as I seem to get an old bald woman in my starting lineup more than 50% of the time. I don't have anything against old people, bald people, or women. I do have a problem with immersion breaking silliness of constantly getting old and bald on the only female party member due to RNG and no way to fix it aside from a constant quit to menu and start over.

I'm being a little hyperbolic, of course. Any customization, aside from renaming your mercenaries, would be welcome.

[Eightball]

So are there any randomly placed Points-of-Interest in each new game to be found; a motivation to explore. Say for instance bandit camps or ruins or tombs?

Or is every such point always in the same place? And is every town, village, etc. always populated by the same mobs and same loot? So I know windmill X will be at spot Y and have mobs Z in it every time?

Just seems a game like this with a static map wold really benefit from something that promoted exploration beyond just random encounters with enemies.

[DeadSilent]

As far as I can tell, the only thing that isn't static or scripted are encounters with animals, spirits, bandits, etc., that roam the map and attack you if they spot you. I think the contracts are mostly random with a few that are always available as part of quest or story, but I can't confirm that.