Posted October 22, 2025 by Grimmzyyy
Progress today has been slower due to feeling unwell, and I began development at around 4:20 PM. Instead of focusing on the combat mode and movement transition system, I shifted my attention to conceptualizing the NPC Traders — the core characters who will provide players with quests, bounties, and purchasable items.
My process began with identifying the item categories and types of quests each NPC might offer, then building distinct personalities and mechanics around them. After iterating, these are the finalized trader archetypes:
Function: Weapons, heavy armor, repairs, crafting materials
Quests: Recover lost schematics, deliver rare metals, eliminate bandits impeding trade, craft prototype weapons
Personality: Gruff yet practical. Initially cold, but grows warmer as player trust increases
Unique Mechanic: Repairs broken weapons for a fee based on item value
Visuals: Potentially generated using AI; subject to artist revision
Function: Ranged weapons, traps, bait, provisions, ammunition
Quests: Monster bounties, collection hunts, scouting/tracking missions
Personality: Unnerving, paranoid, distrustful — reflected through dialogue tone
Unique Mechanic: Barters for trophies (monster heads, claws, etc.) in exchange for rare items
Function: Stimulants, potions, poisons, medical supplies
Quests: Herb gathering, supply delivery, test experimental concoctions
Personality: A slightly mad scholar — possibly an ex-cultist seeking to “purify” corruption through science
Unique Mechanic: Transmutes low-value loot into useful crafting materials
Function: Relics, cursed artifacts, boss-related loot
Quests: Assassinations, ritual investigations, boss hunts
Personality: Cryptic, speaks in riddles or partially in an unknown tongue (inspired by Paarthurnax from Skyrim)
Unique Mechanic: Trades in unique currencies; offers one-use perks or spells usable in raids
Narrative Hook: Player reputation may influence cultist or monster interactions
Function: General goods, crafting supplies, basic weapons
Quests: Delivery contracts, scavenger hunts, item recovery
Personality: Smooth talker — sharp, persuasive, always chasing a deal
Unique Mechanic: Offers an “insurance” service that guarantees item recovery after death (inspired by Tarkov)
During development, I also experimented with generative AI (Midjourney) to prototype NPC portraits. These early results will help me determine whether to continue using AI for concept generation or hire an artist for the final designs.