From 2a382ea99bede83a6c3569812ebba80ebe754721 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: David Kotnik Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2026 10:25:18 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] NPC Generation Master Plan - 8 Unique + 15 Variations - Optimized Strategy --- docs/NPC_GENERATION_PLAN.md | 427 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 427 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/NPC_GENERATION_PLAN.md diff --git a/docs/NPC_GENERATION_PLAN.md b/docs/NPC_GENERATION_PLAN.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..061c41c71 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/NPC_GENERATION_PLAN.md @@ -0,0 +1,427 @@ +# πŸ‘₯ NPC GENERATION MASTER PLAN +**Version:** 2.0 - Optimized +**Date:** January 5th, 2026 +**Total NPCs:** 8 Unique + 15 Variations = **23 Base Sprites** + +--- + +## 🎯 **STRATEGY:** + +Instead of generating 180 unique NPCs, we create: +- **8 UNIQUE** characters (story-critical, unique portraits) +- **15 VARIATION** templates (recolored for different biomes) + +**This covers ALL 27 towns across 20 biomes!** + +--- + +## πŸ“Š **TIER 1: UNIQUE PORTRAITS (8 Characters)** + +These get **full unique designs** with **master reference images**. + +### **1. KAI MARKOVIΔ†** πŸ—‘οΈ +**Role:** Main playable character +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (CRITICAL) + +**Visual Details:** +- Pink and green dreadlocks +- Stretched ear gauges, multiple piercings (nose, lip, eyebrow) +- Katana strapped to back +- Post-apocalyptic torn jacket, ripped jeans +- Combat boots, survival backpack +- Athletic, wiry build +- **Eyes:** Red with dark pupils (human, NOT zombie) + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait (front-facing, full body) +- 4-direction idle sprites +- 4-direction walking animations +- Combat poses (sword attacks) +- Dialogue portrait (close-up, expressive) + +**Total:** ~10 sprites + +--- + +### **2. ANA MARKOVIΔ†** πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬ +**Role:** Twin sister, main quest target +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (CRITICAL) + +**Visual Details:** +- Light blonde hair (short, practical cut) +- Blue eyes WITH dark pupils (friendly NPC style) +- Determined, survival-ready expression +- Adventure vest with pockets +- Research backpack +- Scientist/survivor hybrid look + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait +- Dialogue portraits (3 emotions: neutral, happy, worried) +- Cutscene sprite (for flashbacks) +- Rescued sprite (end-game) + +**Total:** ~6 sprites + +--- + +### **3. GRONK** 🧌 +**Role:** Kaijev prijatelj, tamed troll companion +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (CRITICAL) + +**Visual Details:** +- MASSIVE green troll (3m tall in chibi proportions) +- Pink dreadlocks +- Stretched ear gauges, nose ring +- Vape always in hand (essential!) +- Black t-shirt: "TROLL SABBATH" (purple text) +- Torn baggy skater pants +- Pink sneakers +- Friendly giant aesthetic + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait +- 4-direction idle (massive size) +- Walking animations +- Combat poses (earthquake slam) +- Vaping animation (idle variant) +- Dialogue portrait + +**Total:** ~10 sprites + +--- + +### **4. MIRO PRAVNIK** βš–οΈ +**Role:** Lawyer (divorces, legal services) +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐ (High) + +**Visual Details:** +- StarejΕ‘i moΕ‘ki (older man, 50s-60s) +- Wrinkled brown office suit (worn, apocalypse-aged) +- Rusty briefcase +- Tired, weathered expression +- Dark humor in eyes +- Red eyes with dark pupils (friendly NPC) + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait +- Idle sprite (standing behind desk) +- Dialogue portrait +- Gesture sprites (signing papers, adjusting glasses) + +**Total:** ~4 sprites + +--- + +### **5. MAYOR/Ε½UPAN** πŸ›οΈ +**Role:** Town administrator, restoration permits +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High) + +**Visual Details:** +- Serious lik (authoritative, official) +- Long green coat with official sash +- Old tablet computer in hand +- Bureaucratic but fair expression +- Red eyes with dark pupils (friendly NPC) + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait +- Idle sprite (standing, official pose) +- Dialogue portrait +- Gesture sprite (handing permit document) + +**Total:** ~4 sprites + +--- + +### **6. IVAN KOVAČ** βš’οΈ +**Role:** Blacksmith (tool repair, enchanting) +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (CRITICAL - already partially generated) + +**Visual Details:** +- Močan lik (strong, muscular build) +- Protective goggles pushed up on forehead +- Blacksmith apron (soot-covered, leather) +- Muscular arms, soot on face +- Red eyes with dark pupils (friendly NPC) + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait βœ… (HAVE: download.jpg) +- Hammering animation βœ… +- Idle standing βœ… +- Showing sword βœ… +- Dialogue portrait βœ… +- Additional: Enchanting pose (at magic table) + +**Total:** ~6 sprites (5 done, 1 needed) + +--- + +### **7. ARBORIST/GOZDAR** 🌲 +**Role:** Tree planter, forest management +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐ (High) + +**Visual Details:** +- Work clothes (green/brown palette) +- Gardening gloves +- Seed bags across chest +- Dirt-stained, nature-loving +- Calm, patient expression +- Red eyes with dark pupils (friendly NPC) + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait +- Idle sprite (holding sapling) +- Dialogue portrait +- Planting animation (kneeling, placing tree) + +**Total:** ~4 sprites + +--- + +### **8. ZOMBI SKAVT** 🧟 +**Role:** Friendly zombie companion, explorer +**Priority:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High) + +**Visual Details:** +- Friendly zombie with red OR blue bandana around neck +- Small backpack +- **Red eyes WITH dark pupils** (special friendly variant) +- Chibi zombie proportions +- Non-threatening, helpful pose + +**Evolution Stages (4 visual levels):** +1. **Base (Lv 1-4):** Basic zombie scout, bandana, backpack +2. **Lantern (Lv 5-9):** Gains glowing lantern +3. **Armored (Lv 10-14):** Light armor plates +4. **Winged (Lv 15-19):** Small wings (can fly/scout) +5. **LEGENDARY (Lv 20):** Glowing purple aura, all upgrades + +**Sprites Needed:** +- Master reference portrait (base form) +- 4-direction idle Γ— 5 evolution stages = 20 +- Walking animations Γ— 5 stages = 20 +- Pointing/discovering animation Γ— 5 = 5 +- Digging animation Γ— 5 = 5 + +**Total:** ~50 sprites (ALL evolution stages) + +--- + +## πŸ“Š **TIER 2: VARIATION TEMPLATES (15 Base Sprites)** + +These are **recolored for different biomes**. Generate 1 base, recolor for all 20 biomes. + +### **A) GENERIC CITIZENS (6 variations)** + +**Purpose:** Populate restored towns + +**1. Citizen - Male A** (Worker type) +- Generic laborer clothing +- Neutral expression +- Red eyes with dark pupils +- **Recolor for:** Forest (brown), Desert (tan), Frozen (white), etc. + +**2. Citizen - Male B** (Merchant type) +- Vest, trader outfit +- Friendly expression +- **Recolor for:** All biomes + +**3. Citizen - Female A** (Farmer type) +- Work dress, apron +- Kind expression +- **Recolor for:** All biomes + +**4. Citizen - Female B** (Shopkeeper type) +- Professional clothing +- Welcoming expression +- **Recolor for:** All biomes + +**5. Citizen - Child** (Generic kid) +- Simple clothes, energetic +- Playful expression +- **Recolor for:** All biomes + +**6. Citizen - Elder** (Old person) +- Simple robes, walking stick +- Wise expression +- **Recolor for:** All biomes + +**Total per variation:** 1 base sprite Γ— 20 biome recolors = 20 variants each +**Total:** 6 base sprites β†’ 120 biome variants + +--- + +### **B) NOMAD RAIDERS (4 variations)** + +**Purpose:** Dynamic enemy threat + +**1. Desert Nomad** (Medium threat) +- Tan robes, scimitar, turban +- Desert-themed gear +- Hostile expression + +**2. Frost Bandit** (High threat) +- Fur armor, ice axe +- Frost-themed gear +- Aggressive expression + +**3. Jungle Marauder** (Very high threat) +- Tribal mask, poison darts +- Jungle-themed gear +- Dangerous expression + +**4. Tech Scavenger** (Extreme threat) +- Cyberpunk gear, laser weapon +- Neon-themed gear +- Menacing expression + +**Total:** 4 unique raider types Γ— 3 unit variants (warrior, archer, brute) = **12 raider sprites** + +--- + +### **C) TROLLS (3 variations)** + +**Purpose:** Town inhabitants, companions + +**1. Troll - Male (Friendly)** +- Similar build to Gronk +- Different color (gray, blue) +- Work clothes +- Friendly expression + +**2. Troll - Female (Friendly)** +- Slightly smaller than male +- Different color palette +- Town clothing +- Welcoming expression + +**3. Troll - Wild (Enemy)** +- Hostile variant +- Ragged clothing +- Aggressive pose +- No pupils (enemy variant) + +**Total:** 3 troll variations Γ— 5 color variants = **15 troll sprites** + +--- + +## πŸ“Š **TOTAL SPRITE COUNT** + +### **Unique Characters:** +| Character | Sprites | Priority | +|-----------|---------|----------| +| Kai | 10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +| Ana | 6 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +| Gronk | 10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +| Miro Pravnik | 4 | ⭐⭐⭐ | +| Mayor | 4 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +| Ivan Kovač | 1 (5 done) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +| Arborist | 4 | ⭐⭐⭐ | +| Zombi Skavt | 50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | +| **TOTAL** | **89** | | + +### **Variation Templates:** +| Type | Base Sprites | Recolors | Total | +|------|--------------|----------|-------| +| Citizens | 6 | 20 biomes | 120 | +| Raiders | 12 | - | 12 | +| Trolls | 3 | 5 colors | 15 | +| **TOTAL** | **21** | | **147** | + +--- + +## 🎯 **KICKSTARTER DEMO PRIORITY** + +**Generate ONLY these for demo:** + +### **Phase 1 (Immediate):** +1. βœ… Ivan Kovač - 1 more sprite (enchanting pose) +2. ⭐ Zombi Skavt - Base form (8 sprites) +3. ⭐ Mayor - Complete set (4 sprites) +4. ⭐ 1 Citizen variation (male + female) +5. ⭐ 1 Raider type (Desert Nomad) + +**Total Phase 1:** ~20 sprites + +### **Phase 2 (Post-Demo):** +- Kai full sprite set (10) +- Ana full sprite set (6) +- Gronk full sprite set (10) +- Remaining NPCs + +--- + +## πŸ“ **FOLDER STRUCTURE** + +``` +/references/ + β”œβ”€β”€ main_characters/ + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ kai/ + β”‚ β”‚ └── master_reference.png + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ ana/ + β”‚ β”‚ └── master_reference.png + β”‚ └── gronk/ + β”‚ └── master_reference.png + β”‚ + β”œβ”€β”€ npcs/ + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ ivan_kovac/ + β”‚ β”‚ └── master_reference.png (βœ… HAVE: download.jpg) + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ mayor/ + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ miro_pravnik/ + β”‚ └── arborist/ + β”‚ + β”œβ”€β”€ companions/ + β”‚ └── zombie_scout/ + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ base_form.png + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ level_5_lantern.png + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ level_10_armored.png + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ level_15_winged.png + β”‚ └── level_20_legendary.png + β”‚ + β”œβ”€β”€ enemies/ + β”‚ └── nomad_raiders/ + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ desert_nomad.png + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ frost_bandit.png + β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ jungle_marauder.png + β”‚ └── tech_scavenger.png + β”‚ + └── species/ + └── trolls/ + β”œβ”€β”€ male_friendly.png + β”œβ”€β”€ female_friendly.png + └── wild_hostile.png +``` + +--- + +## βœ… **GENERATION RULES** + +### **ALL NPC Sprites:** +- βœ… Style 32 Dark-Chibi Noir +- βœ… Thick black outlines (4-5px) +- βœ… 32x32px base size (larger for portraits) +- βœ… Green background for easy keying +- βœ… Chibi proportions + +### **Eye Rules (CRITICAL):** +- πŸ‘₯ **Friendly NPCs/Humans:** Red eyes WITH dark pupils +- 🧟 **Weak/Tamed Zombies:** White eyes, NO pupils +- 🧟 **Strong/Wild Zombies:** Red eyes, NO pupils +- 🧑 **Zombi Skavt:** Red eyes WITH pupils (special exception) + +--- + +## πŸš€ **NEXT STEPS:** + +1. βœ… Generate Phase 1 sprites (~20) +2. βœ… Organize into `/references/` folders +3. βœ… Create master reference sheet for each unique character +4. βœ… Test recoloring system for citizen variations +5. βœ… Update asset browser with new NPCs + +--- + +**Status:** 🟒 **READY FOR GENERATION** +**Estimate:** Phase 1 = ~2 hours (20 sprites) +**Total Project:** ~240 sprites (with all variations)