Ok, after poking around the npc code, I figured I’d stream of consciousness a basic to do list here.
Step one is json out the building. I’ve got some ideas here, but I’d need to figure out what machines belong there. Granted, the player wouldn’t be using them, and messing with them would likely just get you shot. I’m not sure how I’d tie in examining or proximity to npc reactions, but I’m guessing that will require some coding.
I’d like to have several versions of it, one with Old Guard, one with Scavengers/Merchants (maybe less trained on the machines so less inventory?), one with Raiders that would need to be cleared out for a mission. Maybe even a version with a horde attracted by the noise, but that’ll probably wait as I’ve got plenty going on already.
So, for interactions, I see dialogue is handled in npctalk.cpp, and interactions are in npc.cpp. I’ll probably be writing a new trading function, as it’d be more like a menu of items they could (and were willing!) to make for you, with a time cost associated with it. I’d like to have them be territorial about randoms poking around their machines, and have guards give warnings if you’re too close. The Raiders would be a but different: you should be able to deal with them if you aren’t too goody-goody, but they may still betray you. I don’t see them as making use if the facility. All factions should have a mission for you to rescue/kidnap a machinist to have more items available.
As for items, obviously this should be the main attraction here. Thinking back to Llamageddon’s suggestion on nerfing homemade firearms, the quality of their barrels should probably get a decrease across the board. However, you’d also have the option to get a properly rifled/bored barrel from a competent machinist here. I’m thinking it may be best to implement this via a flag or two on homemade weapons, with a gun accessory barrel removing those issues. You wouldn’t be able to improve a proper military grade firearm with a machined barrel, after all.
Properly aligned scopes, magazines, and other gun accessories would be nice. I’ll defer to someone who knows what they’re talking about for feasibility/difficulty/time costs on all of these.
I’d definitely like the player to be able to request casings. I’m not sure just how complicated that would be (signs pointed to “very” as I recall), but it would take some of the frustration out of looting. Come to think of it though, perhaps a wandering gunsmith trader may be a better option here.
Another future path might be vehicle part improvements. Again, I don’t have the technical knowledge to state what’s possible and what isn’t, but we could use a little more Mad Max flair.
That’s…actually about all I had for the items honestly. I guess I’ll work on the backend and reach out for item listings I’ve I’ve handled that.
Anything in particular I forgot? I know this is not really organized, but I figured I should get everything down after I’d had some time to (feverishly) think it over.
Edit: Machines list so far: Lathe, Mill, Router, Grinder, Drill press, Metal saw, Laser cutter. Again, 0 machine shop experience. I know there would realistically be specific versions of these used for different purposes, but would that cover the general categories? What else would make sense to include?
