Resource sink trader quests.

[Heruactic]

Dumb idea: Give traders more life by having them need resources for functions:

Have traders be able to restock twice as often if they have enough Gas in their store.
You can let them offer 10%-50% more dukes or offer an extra quest reward if they have enough necessities like food and crafting supplies.

Could be implemented by adding an option to donate resources in Dialogue with a trader. A simple Value check can be used to track if the trader has enough resources to unlock a benefit. Resources can diminish on each restock.

 

Jen may want some craftable meds like splits, bandages or alcohol.
Bob may want some Gunpowder or lead/brass.
Rekt would like nitrate and flesh.

All traders would need key survival items like Gasoline, Wood, Food.

Heck you could make trader outposts turn into upgrade-able POI. You already have a system in place to reset a poi, substituting one poi for another version of it if the dimensions are the same should not be a lot of dev time.

Have a trader start with a basic poi like you have before A21. Provide them enough resources and they will upgrade to the next tier with bigger walls, maybe a guard or a turret, more inventory to sell or spawn a loot chest occasionally.

Jackie.. one more thing. If zombies damage a trader location there could be a "quest" to repair the POI by providing construction materials like metal, nails or screws.

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There are game systems in place to support these options already.
Upgrades could be its own "Shop" window using Stone/metal/Gas/ as currency to "buy" upgrades or fulfill traders necessities.
Fixing a trader Poi could simply spawn a quest trigger to replace the Poi.
Upgrading Poi could be similar as the previous option. Provide required materials to trader, a quest icon spawns outside. Player activates and it replaces a POI with upgraded version.

I been holding this suggestion in for a while. Thanks for reading. (Psst. Modders)