NPC Thoughts

[MS. Green Label]

So you will work on these after 0.5, here are some ideas

npc in gunshops, buy n sell and repair for a price

npc in gas stations with car wash

npc on farms, maybe you can do some work here for reward of FP or add a reputation system

npc in boat yards, they could do repairs or build new engines if you bring them the parts

npc traindriver, for getting across the new map

npc toolbooth, for the new roads or bridges

npc - random encounters

npc motorcycle shop for bikes in 0.6

Add what you can think of guys to give them some great ideas

[Faustus]

Nice ideas =)

From what i have heard, npc's will be primarely found in safe zones. Devs are planning to slowely turn safe zones into buzzing community hubs.

Suggestion:
Add a doctor and a cook to safe zones. Let players pay them with alcohol, Tabac etc. Primarily for new players till they learn how to cook or treat themselves.

[xKiCkx]

Thank you for your suggestion.

[Driblus]

Originally posted by MS. Green Label:

npc - random encounters

Dislike all of them except that one.

And hopefully they have guns and shoot at you, and you can shoot back and loot them, maybe for some special loot.

All the rest would ruin the survival feel of the game and instead make into world of warcraft.

No thanks to that.

[HauntedAndy]

Originally posted by MS. Green Label:

car wash

This is what I am personally waiting for, all you need is a bucket, nothing else.

Remember it is still positioned as survival game, no need for NPCs here and there.

[sparkey66]

"npc - random encounters" , sounds really good !
Like human Npc`s, Different level ones with different level loot, Bandits, Traders, (Groups maybe 1-5 in them?). Friendly and Non friendly if approached or fired on ?
Just some ideas would be great to see anything like this :)

[Epx.]

Originally posted by sparkey66:

"npc - random encounters" , sounds really good !
Like human Npc`s, Different level ones with different level loot, Bandits, Traders, (Groups maybe 1-5 in them?). Friendly and Non friendly if approached or fired on ?
Just some ideas would be great to see anything like this :)

Does anyone know if there is any plan for this? It would be incredible because the map is big and depending on the server, mainly solo/singleplayer it becomes monotonous to have only mechs and puppets as a threat. Hardcore patrols around the map would elevate survival immersion even more.

[Johnnie Concrete]

Good idea. We need more NPC interaction.

""npc traindriver, for getting across the new map""

Sounds good..with an actual train moving across the map going from station to station (in safe zones)....with the possibility of getting hijacked. All the players (minimum 5) on the train could be grouped together to defend it while it travels. (minimum 5 players to trigger a hijack event)

[oynlengeymer]

Originally posted by MS. Green Label:

So you will work on these after 0.5, here are some ideas

npc in gunshops, buy n sell and repair for a price

npc in gas stations with car wash

npc on farms, maybe you can do some work here for reward of FP or add a reputation system

npc in boat yards, they could do repairs or build new engines if you bring them the parts

npc traindriver, for getting across the new map

npc toolbooth, for the new roads or bridges

npc - random encounters

npc motorcycle shop for bikes in 0.6

Add what you can think of guys to give them some great ideas

Eww, I hate the idea of buying guns. makes it even easier to get a full weapon.

Random encounters yes, Train driver, yes, Tollbooth yes. But all these need to be heavily guarded npc locations

Other ideas of repair yards seem ok since we are not all engineers... but with current build now, if you are lone wolf, you are gonna be engineer. So unless they remove ability to repair things ourselves then it shouldn't be needed. Maybe self repair could only get things up to 50% and shops do a better job?

Gunshop guy could maybe repair/buy weapons only but not sell them. unless its like Fence in Tarkov maybe, and you can only buy what others have sold and within a timeframe.

I cant see the farming thing being a huge hit but it does give players something to do. Especially if that will not just include go harvest me ten potatoes, but jobs to get a bear skin and head, or certain fish etc.

[oynlengeymer]

Originally posted by Johnnie Concrete:

Good idea. We need more NPC interaction.

""npc traindriver, for getting across the new map""

Sounds good..with an actual train moving across the map going from station to station (in safe zones)....with the possibility of getting hijacked. All the players (minimum 5) on the train could be grouped together to defend it while it travels. (minimum 5 players to trigger a hijack event)

Who would hijack the train? tech1? its their train. The players would be the ones to assualt the train and hijack it, but for what reason I dont know.. And it would have to stop the train till they left the area so if the hang around, no one else is gonna be using the train for regular purpose

[Johnnie Concrete]

Originally posted by oynlengeymer:

Originally posted by Johnnie Concrete:

Good idea. We need more NPC interaction.

""npc traindriver, for getting across the new map""

Sounds good..with an actual train moving across the map going from station to station (in safe zones)....with the possibility of getting hijacked. All the players (minimum 5) on the train could be grouped together to defend it while it travels. (minimum 5 players to trigger a hijack event)

Who would hijack the train? tech1? its their train. The payers would be the ones to assualt the train and hijack it, but for what reason I dont know.. And it would have to stop the train till they left the area so if the hang around, no one else is gonna be using the train for regular purpose

Yes other players to hijack the train. Reasons could be looting the train, something else to do in the game. Make travelling across the map more of a mission. Its just a suggestion.

[HauntedAndy]

I am strongly against NPCs here and there, it is a survival game, not another Far Cry.
Also, I don't like the idea that we are in a TV show, I personally find it stupid - who would be watching this boredom for 2 seasons already, me / other prisoners fighting puppets? I would get bored after just 2 shows, since it's all the same.
Maybe devs should rethink the sense of the game, make it a (ok, yet another) zombie survival with a goal to finally escape the island, otherwise it makes no sence. Live on the island, to do what? To loot, hoard ammo and cars, escape sentries and puppets?
I have read game design document and I do not find it convincing at all. Just my 5 cents.

[Linea]

I really like the ideas, but somehow having service npcs feels a little off. A trader which is basically another survivor that has things to trade or representing a group of survivors/npcs sure but someone opening a car wash shop on the island feels off.

So i thought of scum version for your ideas that would suite the scenario.

Originally posted by MS. Green Label:

So you will work on these after 0.5, here are some ideas

npc in gunshops, buy n sell and repair for a price
- a makeshift gunshop as part of an npc group base or wandering traders that have a few items

npc in gas stations with car wash
- like a group of mad max punks hoarding the fuel and asking high prices or you have to fight them for it.
- car wash beeing an automated facility you have to put money in for it to start

npc on farms, maybe you can do some work here for reward of FP or add a reputation system
- that would make a lot of sense, especially if they ask you for help against scavangers and pay you when you protect them or take revenge on scavangers, freeing hostages and so on. or you rob them and join the scavangers.
And with the farming update you can make your own farm or help on npc farms.

npc in boat yards, they could do repairs or build new engines if you bring them the parts
- something like makeshift pirates that own boats and sell some parts and if friendly with their faction offer a place and their service for your boat

npc traindriver, for getting across the new map
- maybe automated trains that require money or fame to get a ticket, no ticket and security mechs will give you a "fine"

npc toolbooth, for the new roads or bridges
- camp of some scavangers under the bridge that sell random tools

npc - random encounters
- a lot of possibilities that make the world more lively especially if not all are hostile unless given a reason so you can trade, retreat or ambush them.

npc motorcycle shop for bikes in 0.6
- a biker gang i like it

Add what you can think of guys to give them some great ideas

Some new things (okay all is a bit much but maybe some of the ideas could be implemented)

Madoc
- Medical bots left on the island. They where used for human experiments. They can fix you but ask a price. If you want them to fix your liver they want a liver for their experiments, you just need to get a spare one. Oh and i am not sure if you can trust them never know when they enter experiment mode.
- Can later also be used to apply artificial limbs just make sure you lost your limb first their saw looks really rusty from all that blood.
- One can be called to your location by spending fame, if you are unable to go to one and need treatment for example when you lost a leg. Its not cheap and they need some time to appear (its meant as an alternative way to suicide when you are stuck in a serious condition).

Old Farmer
Vagabound roaming around the island farms. Former farmer now selling its farming stuff. Mainly seeds.

Mary
Selling food stuff in the scum bar. Better like her food, has a short fuse and a shotgun.

Animal Trainer
Living in a small hut with some animals and can sell you trained dogs.

Random groups roaming the island and having some camps.
- Looters, robbing the weak. They usually retreat at gunpoint not worth taking the risk. Having some smaller camps, are willing to trade at their camps.
- Scavangers, more agressive but might let you live if you give up your stuff to them. Can take hostages, you can get friendly with them taking tasks to attack farmers and other groups. Will build roadblocks and ambush players.
- Savages, wild and crazy living in the woods. They are sneaky and use meele weapons and bows hunting players and npcs like prey and of course they are cannibals. They take unconsicous or captured players to their camp in the woods so there is still a chance to free them.
- Skulls a group of road ragers using armored vehicles and attacking players especially while driving on the road, they are after all the vehicles and want to hoard them.
- Bloodhounds a biker gang, they are actually neutral attacking when they see a chance for loot and often target scavangers but can also be hired to attack certain bases.
- Blackdogs are pirates using mainly different makeshift boats and attack coastal areas, they are at war with the bloodhounds and divided the island between them into coastal and inland.
- Survivors, various survivors that can attack you, be neutral or need help like food, medicine or protection against agressive animals or npcs groups. Can also be found as hostages in npc camps. Will reward you for helping them with items or fame.
- Jade Dojo
Its a Dojo you can learn martial arts there, the master teaches it best but is most expensive. Of course they are armend and defend their dojo. Bringing weapons is not allowed will be hostile if you approach with weapons. If you attack without weapons they wont use weapons either.

Companions
- Dogs if you feed them and care for them they will be loyal after a while, can attack, hunt small animals and fetch stuff.
- Wolves can be tamed but will remain agressive which makes it a risky process. Once tamed they are difficult to keep loyal, when you are not careful they will attack you again.
- Cats, not sure what they are useful for but they eat stuff if you give it to them if they think its good enough.
- Hired mercenary from the different groups. Once paid will temporarly follow you and can be told to wait, follow, hold fire and open fire (on everyone not in your group)
- Human Companions, if you save hostages or help random npcs that need help they could follow you and work like mercenaries but you dont have to pay them. They can also be put on guard duty in your base or be given tasks to collect some basic stuff like wood or food/water. They dont bring their own gear like hired mecenaries you have to give them all the stuff they need, food, weapon, gear and so on.

[Rambotweety]

Originally posted by HauntedAndy:

I am strongly against NPCs here and there, it is a survival game, not another Far Cry.
Also, I don't like the idea that we are in a TV show, I personally find it stupid - who would be watching this boredom for 2 seasons already, me / other prisoners fighting puppets? I would get bored after just 2 shows, since it's all the same.
Maybe devs should rethink the sense of the game, make it a (ok, yet another) zombie survival with a goal to finally escape the island, otherwise it makes no sence. Live on the island, to do what? To loot, hoard ammo and cars, escape sentries and puppets?
I have read game design document and I do not find it convincing at all. Just my 5 cents.

Obviously you have never watched "The Condemned" or "Hunger Games". The concept for Scum broadcasting prisoner's actions is a very viable concept for TEC1 revenue. As prisoners, we do not get to see what is being broadcasted nor do we know the marketing to keep the series continuously valid. I imagine their marketing is much like what is done for "Survivor" or "The Walking Dead". IMHO i think the devs should not deviate from the original concept of the game, it is what got me to play this game for well over 8000 hours due to the uniqueness of its concept.

[Driblus]

Since this thread has come this far, I'll reiterate my opinion. Please, no NPC traders, please please please with sugar on top.

The only idea I like here is roaming or stationary NPCs that will shoot players or the other way around, with potentially special loot. Similar to how Deadside works. Which is another idea that could be expanded on. But ALL NPC in this game should be enemies of the players, if any. Traders will seriously ruin the game imo. At least how I see it at this point.

[MS. Green Label]

Originally posted by Driblus:

Since this thread has come this far, I'll reiterate my opinion. Please, no NPC traders, please please please with sugar on top.

The only idea I like here is roaming or stationary NPCs that will shoot players or the other way around, with potentially special loot. Similar to how Deadside works. Which is another idea that could be expanded on. But ALL NPC in this game should be enemies of the players, if any. Traders will seriously ruin the game imo. At least how I see it at this point.

well that was the whole idea of the safe zones they will be full of shops and stuff