[Fallout 5] Walking Vending Machines — Design Blueprint

1) Core Idea (Player Fantasy)

Roaming, talkative vending-bots double as mobile quartermasters and self-defending kiosks. They stock chilled drinks, snacks, chems, repair kits, ammo, and field supplies; take payment; restock on schedules; and can be hired, hacked, escorted, or ambushed.

2) Lore & Variants (Pre-War → Post-War)

RobCo “RoboVend Mk IV” (standard): Protectron chassis with a front bay cooler and rotating product drum.
Nuka-Stride Model N: Tall, insulated torso with refrigeration coils; hums a Nuka jingle.
Med-Tek Aid Rover: White/red livery; sells stimpaks, RadAway, first aid, detox chems.
ARMCO Ammo-Mat Mule: Treaded base; small press for field-loaded ammo (strict limits).
SUGAR-ATON (Snackliner): Cheerful billboard face; keeps morale snacks hot/cold.
Sentry-Kiosk 2000 (security): Heavy turret busts open if attacked; corporate anti-theft demo unit.
Post-War Hacks: Raider “Snack-Ripper” (bait & ambush), Drifter conversions (barter only), Hidden-in-Plain-Sight Rebels camo-skins for smuggling.

3) Roles & Chassis Tiers

Tier	Chassis	Role	Speed	Armor	Carry Cap	Power
L	Courier-Bot	Patrol vendor, fast	Fast	Light	Low	Battery pack
M	RoboVend Mk IV	General store	Med	Med	Med	Fusion cell
H	Sentry-Kiosk	Security vendor	Slow	Heavy	High	Fusion core

Mobility options: biped (Protectron), treaded (Mr. Gutsy tank), quad “cart” legs, or Brahmin-cart hybrid with docked vending pod.

4) Inventory, Restock & Pricing

Categories: Drinks (Nuka, water, teas), Snacks (bars, jerky, canned), Chems (stims, RadAway, antibiotics, calmants), Repair (weapon/armor kits, adhesive packs), Ammo (caliber-locked; see limits), Field Supplies (bandages, rope, filters, flares).

Dynamic Stocking

Region scarcity: desert = more water, fewer cold packs; warzones = more bandages, fewer luxury snacks.
Event hooks: rad-storms raise RadAway price/stock; faction wars increase ammo/repair.
Clock: soft restock every 24–48h; hard restock when returning to a depot (bots visibly travel a route).

Pricing Formula (at purchase)


final_price = base * scarcity_mult * (1 + faction_tax) * (1 - player_discounts)

Discounts: Barter/Charisma, brand loyalty card (hack or quest), settlement trade pact.
Surcharges: Night market +10%, combat zone +15%, hostile reputation +20%.

Ammo Press (H-tier only): Produces 5–20 rounds per in-game hour (caliber-limited), requires scrap + powder canister item, locks behind a permit quest.

5) Defense & Anti-Theft Suite

Default (non-lethal first)

Pepper-fog burst (cone; Accuracy –20%, Perception –2 for 10s)
Stun batons (melee zap)
Deployable smoke puck (line-of-sight break; escapes)
Sticky foam (roots attackers briefly; bots toddle away)

Escalation (if health <60% or theft)

Micro-turret pop (short-life drone, 5–10s suppressive fire)
EMP net (vs. power armor/robots; brief stagger)
Distress ping (pings patrols/nearby settlers, marks map for 90s)
Anchor bolts (locks feet; +Damage Resist, turret mode)

Failsafes

Lockdown shroud (shields inventory bays; no looting until disabled)
Insurance Module (records culprit; brands/factions respond later)
Catastrophic Core (rare trait): if destroyed, releases non-lethal flash or, in Raider hacked versions, booby-trap (small blast). (Use sparingly to avoid grief.)

6) AI Behavior (High-Level Tree)

Patrol → Scan threats → Vendor mode (idle barks, bargain prompts) → Customer service (trade, repairs) → Supply depletion? Seek nearest depot/settlement → Under attack? Defend → Flee/Escort call → Low power? Go to charging node → Resume route.

Hazard Avoidance: path cost increases near minefields/dens; chooses longer but safer routes unless contracted as “Brave Route” (paid premium).

7) Player Interactions

Buy/Sell (with brand loyalty stamp card; 10 stamps → random freebie crate).
Special Order: pay upfront; bot delivers to a drop-crate at a map marker within 12 in-game hours.
Hire as Mobile Quartermaster: follows you for X hours; grants shared stash, top-off ammo (cap/day), field repair (small gear condition bump).
Escort Contract: protect it to a depot; payout + vendor discount for 24h.
Hack (Utility or Criminal):
- Utility: reveal discount tier, unlock category, add settlement route (+reputation risk).
- Criminal: set “free vend” window, siphon caps; triggers brand bounty later.
License Quest: earn a Vendor Operator’s Permit; settlements allow permanent docking and taxation share.
Sabotage (raider path): swap ammo press recipe to misfire rounds (jam chance) for enemies only.

8) Crafting, Upgrades & Power

Workbench Mods

Cold-Loop+ (drinks heal +5%, chilled shelf expands)
Chem-Safe Dispenser (locks addictive types behind permit; if permitted, doubles stock cap)
Auto-Greaser Arm (+15% repair efficiency; faster armor fixes)
Solar Awning (daytime trickle charge; slower at high radiation)
Deterrent Suite Mk II (+1 turret charge, +foam capacity)
Route Uplink (adds your settlement to its network; yields tax caps per day)

Maintenance

Travel wear (hidden meter): after N kilometers, jam chance rises → fix with Vendor Service Kit.
Power: batteries → fusion cells → fusion core (H-tier). Low power lowers speed & cooler efficiency.

9) Encounters & Quest Seeds

“Thirst March”: a Nuka-Stride limps in a dust storm; escort it to an oasis depot. Choice: honest escort vs siphon its coolant coils.
“Recall Notice”: brand rep demands you hand over hacked bots; side with rebels or corp, unlocks discount vs. blacklist.
“Snack-Ripper Sting”: raiders use a fake bot as bait; disarm trap, keep the shell for settlement use.
“Field Press Permit”: prove safe ammo pressing (range test minigame) to unlock legal ammo crafting.
“Med-Tek Surplus Run”: time-boxed delivery of chems through feral territory; bot panic events force quick decisions.

10) Faction & System Integration

Hidden-in-Plain-Sight Rebels: covert skins, smuggler routes; discounts if you help ferry medicine.
Brotherhood-style orders: levy “tech tax” unless you carry a sanctioned badge.
Raiders: hijack for “Snack-Rippers”; destroying too many civilian bots triggers regional price hikes.
Institute-like actors: synth clerk add-on—humanlike attendant appears at night near safe hubs.
Caravans: bots slot into supply lines; each successful day adds settlement happiness and trickle caps.
Trap Hunter Faction: uses decoy bots to pull mines—cross-content with your trap systems.

11) Balance Levers

Spawn density, route length, escort frequency
Stock caps per category, ammo press daily output
Defense severity & escalation thresholds
Loot table on destruction (mostly scrap + small chance of intact module)
Reputation ripples (price hikes/discounts by brand & region)

12) UI Notes

Vendor HUD: category chips (Drinks / Snacks / Chems / Repair / Ammo / Supplies), chill gauge, defense posture icon (Green idle → Yellow alert → Red lockdown).
Hire/Order Panel: duration slider, route preview maplet, fee breakdown.
Hack Screen: 3-node puzzle (Power • Inventory • Security); each success toggles a safe boon; 3 fails → soft lockdown.

13) Personality & Audio

Nuka-Stride: “Hydration is happiness! Caps accepted, IOUs rejected.”
Med-Tek Rover: “Remain still—sterile swab. You’ll barely feel the invoice.”
ARMCO Mule: “Caliber query: plink, punch, or pulverize?”
SUGAR-ATON: “Sweetness detected in your future—provided funds are present.”

14) Sample Named Units

Doc Sipper (Med-Tek): Sells Doc’s Draft (rare regen drink), carries extra bandages; pacifist AI (more fog, less turret).
The Vendo-Knight (H-tier): Heavy armor, beacon flare; discounts if you rescue it thrice.
Snack Moses (Courier): Spawns in crisis events, hands out free water during heatwaves (one per player/day).

15) Settlement Integration

Auto-Vendor Bay (buildable): spawn a basic bot, assign routes, set tax rate, toggle night market hours.
Docking Pad: visiting bots park; townsfolk queue; boosts merchant happiness perk.
Security Link: bots tie into turrets; in siege, they switch to med/munitions support (free bandages for settlers, limited ammo trickle).

16) Modding Hooks (Data-Driven)

JSON tables: stock pools, price curves, route nodes, voice barks, defense loadouts.
Event keywords: RAD_STORM, FACTION_WAR, HEATWAVE, PLAGUE_ALERT.
Scripting: on-death drop overrides, spawn weights, escort contract multipliers.

17) Quick Stat Blocks (Plug-N-Play)

RoboVend Mk IV (M-tier):
HP 420 • DR 40 • Speed 85% human • Carry 120 slots • Restock 36h • Defense: Fog ×2, Baton ×1, Smoke ×1 • Call-in radius 80m

Nuka-Stride (M-tier, cold):
HP 360 • DR 30 • Speed 90% • Carry 90 + Cold 30 • Drinks heal +5% • Defense: Fog ×1, Foam ×1, Smoke ×1

Sentry-Kiosk 2000 (H-tier):
HP 700 • DR 80 • Speed 60% • Carry 160 • Ammo Press (10r/h) • Defense: Fog ×1, Turret ×2, EMP net ×1, Anchor bolts

How this plugs into your broader systems

Works with your caravan & merchant economy, trap gameplay, and AI NPC personality efforts.
Quest lines reinforce your faction identity pillars (rebels, corporate, raiders).
Provides repeatable utility (hire, order, escort) and situational drama (ambushes, storms, sieges).

Walking Vending Machines — Quest Scripts Pack

Below are five ready-to-drop quest designs with stage flow, aliases, key variables, scene/dialogue beats, and implementation snippets (Creation Engine Papyrus fragments + an Unreal-style pseudo-C++ flow). They’re built to plug into your roaming vending-bot system (RoboVend/Nuka-Stride/Med-Tek/ARMCO/Sentry-Kiosk).

Shared Systems & Globals (used by all quests)

Aliases

Alias_VendorBot (Any WVM actor; preferred type via keyword filter)
Alias_DepotMarker (Location with LocType_VendorDepot)
Alias_Player
Alias_AmbushMarker[] (Encounter points)
Alias_BrandRep (Corporate NPC)
Alias_RebelHandler (Hidden-in-Plain-Sight Rebels NPC)

Globals / Vars

GV_WVM_BrandRep (0=None, 1=Nuka, 2=MedTek, 3=ARMCO)
GV_WVM_PlayerBrandReputation[Brand] (−100..+100)
GV_WVM_RegionalPriceMult (0.8..1.5)
GV_WVM_DiscountHours (int)
GV_WVM_DailyAmmoPressCap (int)
WVM_Permit_AmmoPress (misc/perk gate)
WVM_BotHired (bool), WVM_BotCooldown (game hours)

Packages (AI)

PKG_WVM_VendorIdle
PKG_WVM_EscortFollow
PKG_WVM_FleeAndSmoke
PKG_WVM_TravelToDepot
PKG_WVM_LockdownAnchor
PKG_WVM_CallForHelpPing

Q1 — “Thirst March” (Escort/Emergency)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_ThirstMarch
Type: Dynamic escort in a hazard (dust/rad storm).
Start Conditions: Player enters a storm cell or overhears a distress ping. Nearby Nuka-Stride bot is overheating/low power.

Objectives & Stages

O1: Reach the stranded vendor-bot.
- S10 Start: Register storm; play SOS bark.
O2: Stabilize the bot (choose 1):
- S20: Use a Coolant Coil (aid item) OR perform Repair [INT 4/ENG 30] check OR Pay 100 caps for emergency service kit.
O3: Escort to the oasis depot.
- S30: Assign PKG_WVM_EscortFollow; spawn 1–2 ambush rolls at Alias_AmbushMarker[].
O4: Keep it alive through the storm.
- S40: If HP < 60%, bot escalates: foam/pepper, smoke, mini-turret; call-in ping.
S50 Turn-in: Arrive at depot, bot docks.
S60 Complete (branch):
- Honest Escort: +GV_WVM_PlayerBrandReputation[Nuka] (large), 24h 15% discount, random cold-case reward.
- Siphon Coolant (optional earlier): Short path skip but −rep; depot fine (caps) or Rebels applaud (+Rebel rep) if you admit it.

Fail States

Bot destroyed, you flee the storm too long, or depot doors never reached → small scrap reward + −rep with brand.

Key Scenes (short)

Scene A (S10):
VendorBot: “Hydration… critical. Coolant coils at 7%. Client… assistance recommended.”
Scene B (S30 ambush):
VendorBot: “Non-customer aggression detected. Deploying courtesy deterrents.”

Papyrus (core fragments)


Scriptname Q_WVM_ThirstMarchScript extends Quest

GlobalVariable Property GV_WVM_PlayerBrandRep_Nuka Auto
Actor Property VendorBot Auto
ObjectReference Property DepotMarker Auto
MiscObject Property Aid_CoolantCoil Auto
Keyword Property KW_WVM_Vendor Auto
Package Property PKG_WVM_EscortFollow Auto
Package Property PKG_WVM_VendorIdle Auto

Event OnInit()
    SetStage(10)
EndEvent

Function TryStabilizeBot()
    If Game.GetPlayer().GetItemCount(Aid_CoolantCoil) > 0
        Game.GetPlayer().RemoveItem(Aid_CoolantCoil, 1, True)
        VendorBot.RestoreValue(Game.GetFormFromFile(0x0000002A, "Skyrim.esm") as ActorValue, 50) ; Health++
        SetStage(30)
    ElseIf (Game.GetPlayer().GetAV("Intelligence") >= 4)
        SetStage(30)
    Else
        Debug.Notification("You need a coolant coil or enough skill.")
    EndIf
EndFunction

Function BeginEscort()
    VendorBot.EvaluatePackage()
    VendorBot.SetPackageData(PKG_WVM_EscortFollow, "FollowTarget", Game.GetPlayer() as ObjectReference)
    VendorBot.AddToFaction(Game.GetFormFromFile(0x00012345, "WVM.esm") as Faction)
EndFunction

Function OnArriveDepot()
    VendorBot.SetPackageData(PKG_WVM_VendorIdle, "VendorMode", 1)
    GV_WVM_PlayerBrandRep_Nuka.SetValue(GV_WVM_PlayerBrandRep_Nuka.GetValue() + 10.0)
    CompleteAllObjectives()
    Stop()
EndFunction

Unreal-style Flow (pseudo)


// UQuest_WVM_ThirstMarch
OnBegin() {
  BindStormProbe();
  VendorBot = FindClosestBotWithTag("NukaStride");
  SetObjective("StabilizeBot");
}

OnStabilize() {
  if (PlayerHas("CoolantCoil") || SkillCheck(INT>=4)) {
    VendorBot->ApplyStatus("Cooled");
    SetObjective("EscortToDepot");
    VendorBot->SetFollow(Player);
    ScheduleAmbushRolls();
  }
}

OnDepotReached() {
  GrantReputation("Nuka", +10);
  GrantTimedDiscount("Nuka", 0.15f, 24h);
  CompleteQuest();
}

Q2 — “Recall Notice” (Choice: Corp vs Rebels)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_RecallNotice
Hook: Brand rep confronts you about hacked bots; Rebel handler offers protection if you route bots through smuggler lanes.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Meet the Brand Rep at a checkpoint OR meet the Rebel Handler in a back alley.
S20: Review evidence (logs from bots you’ve hacked or escorted).
S30 Branch A (Corp): Return hacked modules, pay a fine, and install Corp Seal (adds +brand discount, −Rebel rep).
S40 Branch B (Rebels): Keep mods, reroute 1–2 bots through Rebel nodes (Escort mini-quest) → +Rebel rep, Smuggler Prices at night markets.
S50 Resolution: World reaction flips switches:
- Corp path → price stability (+5% cheaper in corporate hubs), Rebel shops reduce services.
- Rebel path → night market opens, corp tax patrols increase (random inspections).

Rewards

Corp: CorpSeal perk (+10% with that brand), whitelist at checkpoints.
Rebel: SmugglerLane perk (+10% at night markets), access to covert skins for bots in settlements.

Papyrus (branch flip)


If (GetStageDone(30))
    BrandSystem.ApplySealToPlayer()
    BrandSystem.ModifyRegionalPrices(-0.05)
    RebelSystem.SetNightMarket(false)
ElseIf (GetStageDone(40))
    RebelSystem.SetNightMarket(true)
    BrandSystem.FlagPlayerForInspections(true)
EndIf

Q3 — “Snack-Ripper Sting” (Trap/Salvage)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_SnackRipperSting
Hook: A too-good-to-be-true vendor-bot is broadcasting discounts; raider ambush.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Investigate the discount signal (scan bot shell).
S20 Skill Gate: Detect explosive rig [PER 5] or electronic trip [SCI 40].
S30: Decide:
- Disarm & Bait the raiders (set up your own counter-ambush).
- Steal the Shell quietly (salvage for settlement).
- Fall for it (combat ambush if you ignore warnings).
S40: If baited, raiders spawn in; wipe them.
S50 Turn-in: Return parts to workbench → unlock Portable Vendor Pod (plan) for settlements.

Rewards

Plan: Auto-Vendor Bay (basic), cosmetic skin “Caution Stripes”.

Papyrus (trap reveal)


Function TryDisarmTrap()
    If PlayerSkillCheck("Science", 40) || PlayerSkillCheck("Perception", 5)
        SetObjectiveDisplayed(30, True)
        TrapObject.DisableNoWait()
        Debug.Notification("You’ve disarmed the Snack-Ripper rig.")
    Else
        Debug.Notification("Wires look… normal? (They are not.)")
    EndIf
EndFunction

Q4 — “Field Press Permit” (Minigame/Certification)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_FieldPressPermit
Hook: An ARMCO Ammo-Mat Mule will only enable the ammo press for certified operators.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Speak to the ARMCO tech at the range.
S20: Calibrate press (3-step minigame):
1. Powder measure timing window (QTE).
2. Case seating alignment (cursor into tolerance band).
3. Pressure test (fire 5 rounds; <=1 jam).
S30 Result:
- Pass: Add WVM_Permit_AmmoPress, raise daily cap (GV_WVM_DailyAmmoPressCap += 20).
- Fail: Retry after rest or pay a fee (retest voucher).

Rewards

Access to press on H-tier bots, press UI opens with “safe loads” only.

Unreal-style (minigame skeleton)


void UAmmoPressTrial::BeginTrial() {
  StartStep(ETrialStep::PowderMeasure);
}
void UAmmoPressTrial::OnPowderTimed(float Delta) {
  if (FMath::Abs(Delta) < Tolerance) Score++;
  NextStep();
}
void UAmmoPressTrial::OnPressureFired(int Jams) {
  if (Jams <= 1) GrantPermit(Player);
}

Q5 — “Med-Tek Surplus Run” (Timed Escort/Panic Events)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_MedTekRun
Hook: A Med-Tek Aid Rover must deliver life-saving chems through feral territory before nightfall.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Accept delivery (timer starts; e.g., 8 in-game hours).
S20: Route selection (safe/slow vs risky/fast).
S30: Panic Events (randomized 2 of 4):
- Feral swarm rush → bot deploys smoke; you choose fight or push through.
- Filter clog → quick fix [SCI 30] or use Filter Kit item.
- Sentry nest → detour or EMP net usage.
- Civvie crowd requesting aid → give 1 stimpack (bonus rep, timer penalty).
S40: Reach clinic before timer expires.
S50: Delivery cutscene (civvie gratitude line).

Rewards

Med-Tek discount (24h 15%), rare Doc’s Draft (regen drink), +Medical faction rep.

Timer/Failure (Papyrus)


Float Property StartHour Auto
Float Property DeadlineHours = 8.0 Auto

Event OnQuestStart()
    StartHour = Utility.GetCurrentGameTime()
EndEvent

Event OnLocationChange()
    If Utility.GetCurrentGameTime() - StartHour >= (DeadlineHours / 24.0)
        FailQuest()
    EndIf
EndEvent

World & Economy Hooks (used by multiple quests)

Price Ripple: Completing corp-friendly outcomes: GV_WVM_RegionalPriceMult -= 0.05 in corporate hubs; Rebel wins → enable NightMarketVendorList and apply −0.1 at night, +0.05 day.
Spawn Density: If player destroys >N civilian bots in 24h, increase regional prices by +0.1 for 48h and spawn Brand Patrols.
Settlement Integration: Completing Snack-Ripper Sting unlocks build plan: AutoVendorBay_Basic (workbench keyword Recipe_WVM_VendorBay). Docking increases Happiness and grants a daily TaxCaps trickle.

UI & Journal Strings (keys)

OBJ_WVM_Thirst_S10: “Find the stranded vending unit in the storm.”
OBJ_WVM_Thirst_S20: “Stabilize the unit (Coolant Coil/Repair/Pay).”
OBJ_WVM_Recall_S30: “Submit hacked modules to corporate.”
OBJ_WVM_Recall_S40: “Aid the Rebels in rerouting vendor traffic.”
OBJ_WVM_Snack_S20: “Inspect the suspicious discount bot.”
OBJ_WVM_Field_S20: “Complete the three press calibration steps.”
OBJ_WVM_Med_S30: “Navigate panic events and reach the clinic before nightfall.”

Quick Dialogue Snippets (drop-in)

Nuka-Stride: “Hydration is happiness—mine is currently lacking. Assistance… appreciated.”
ARMCO Tech: “Presses don’t kill. Bad loads do. Show me you know the difference.”
Brand Rep: “Return corporate property, pay your fine, and we’ll forget this ‘tinkering’ phase.”
Rebel Handler: “Keep the upgrades. We’ll cover your routes. Night markets open for friends.”
Med-Tek Rover: “Sterile swab prepared. Let’s hurry—people are waiting.”

Testing Checklist (per quest)

Start/stop under multiple weather & time states
Escort pathfinding around mines and narrow passes
Ambush spawn fairness (no instant flank within 5m)
Discount timers expire correctly (sleep/fast travel tested)
Reputation deltas clamp −100..+100
Night market toggles vendors only during 20:00–04:00

Q6 — “Quartermaster For a Day” (Hire & Sustain)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_QuartermasterDay
Type: Timed hire/companion utility with upkeep choices.
Hook: Player can contract a RoboVend to follow for 8 in-game hours as a mobile stash/repair shop.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Negotiate fee (Barter/Charisma check or pay caps).
S20: Hire bot → apply PKG_WVM_EscortFollow, enable Shared Stash and Top-Off Ammo (cap/day).
S30: Keep it supplied (choose at least 2 during the hire window):
- Fuel cells (power top-ups)
- Grease kit (reduces jam chance)
- Route safety (clear one ambush marker)
S40: Optional: field repair demo (repair 2 items to >80% condition).
S50 Turn-in: Bot tallies service; discount and perk duration based on care quality.

Rewards

“Quartermaster’s Chit” (temporary perk: +10% vendor repair efficiency for 24h), 5–15% brand discount for 24h based on S30 completion.

Fail States

Bot destroyed, desertion (you fast-travel too far), or debt unpaid → −brand rep, small bounty.

Papyrus (service ledger)


Int Property TasksDone Auto
Event OnHireStart()
  TasksDone = 0
  WVM_BotHired = True
  SetObjectiveDisplayed(20, True)
  Utility.WaitGameTime(0.1)
  SetStage(30)
EndEvent

Function RegisterTaskCompletion()
  TasksDone += 1
  If TasksDone >= 2
    SetStage(40)
  EndIf
EndFunction

Event OnHireEnd()
  WVM_BotHired = False
  Float discount = (TasksDone >= 3) ? 0.15 : (TasksDone == 2 ? 0.10 : 0.05)
  BrandSystem.GrantTimedDiscount(CurrentBrand, discount, 24.0)
  CompleteAllObjectives()
  Stop()
EndEvent

Unreal-style (pseudo)


OnBeginHire() { Bot->Follow(Player); Timer = 8h; EnableSharedStash(); }
OnSupplyAdded(type) { TasksDone++; if (TasksDone>=2) SetObjective("OptionalRepairs"); }
OnTimerExpire() { GrantDiscount(Brand, CalcDiscount(TasksDone)); CompleteQuest(); }

Q7 — “Brand War: Price Crash” (World Event / Choice)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_BrandWarCrash
Type: Regional dynamic; player stabilizes or exploits a price war.
Hook: Competing brands undercut each other; prices plunge by day, spike at night.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Talk to Brand Rep or Rebel Broker to learn causes.
S20 Branch A (Stabilize): Deliver 3 arbitration chips to specific bots; install Price Governor module.
S30 Branch B (Exploit): Help Rebels redirect stock to night markets (escort 2 bots on stealth routes).
S40 Resolution: Flip economy switches accordingly.

Rewards

Stabilize: Permanent −5% in corporate hubs, whitelist at checkpoints.
Exploit: Night market −10% after 20:00, day +5% markup (more profit windows).

Fail States

Installing governors on wrong bots, escorts fail → event continues (higher volatility for 48h).

Papyrus (economy flip)


If ChoseStabilize
  BrandSystem.ModifyRegionalPrices(-0.05)
  RebelSystem.SetNightMarket(false)
Else
  RebelSystem.SetNightMarket(true)
  BrandSystem.SetDaySurcharge(0.05)
  RebelSystem.SetNightDiscount(0.10)
EndIf

Q8 — “Ghost Route” (Stealth Escort / Tax Evasion)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_GhostRoute
Type: Stealth escort avoiding Tax Patrol detection.
Hook: Rebels ask you to guide a Nuka-Stride along a zero-light tunnel network to a back-alley dock.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Meet bot at dusk (20:00).
S20: Stay under Detection Threshold (light + sound + proximity).
S30: Bypass two checkpoints (disable triplights or time guard rotations).
S40: Optional: spoof transponder (SCI 50) to ignore next patrol.
S50 Turn-in: Dock at hidden market before 04:00.

Rewards

Smuggler’s Stamps x3 (redeem for freebies), covert bot skin blueprint for settlements.

Fail States

Detection meter fills → Tax Patrol ambush, fine, −corp rep.

Mechanics Notes

Add a GhostRoute_DetectScore float; each light cone contact + sound event adds score; threshold = fail.

Unreal-style (pseudo)


Tick() { DetectScore += LightExposure()*dt + SoundEvents*Weight; if (DetectScore > Threshold) TriggerPatrol(); }

Q9 — “Jammed Press” (Maintenance Micro-Puzzle)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_JammedPress
Type: Repair minigame for H-tier ammo press.
Hook: ARMCO Mule flags a jam; you must clear it without detonating powder.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Diagnose fault (choose: sensor misalign / powder bridge / crimp burr).
S20: Solve micro-puzzle:
- Align: keep cursor in oscillating band for 5s
- Bridge: timed tap to knock powder free (avoid red zones)
- Burr: select correct deburr tool (tooltips from earlier training)
S30: Test press (fire 3 safe rounds).
S40: Optional: optimize (SCI 60) to +5 rounds/day cap.

Rewards

+Daily press output, ARMCO rep +.

Papyrus (safe retry gate)


Int Attempts
Function TryFixStep(Int step, Bool success)
  If !success
    Attempts += 1
    If Attempts >= 3
      FailQuest()
    EndIf
  ElseIf step >= 3
    SetStage(30)
  EndIf
EndFunction

Q10 — “Siege Supply Drop” (Settlement Defense Tie-In)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_SiegeSupplyDrop
Type: Wave defense while vendor bots dock to offload meds/ammo.
Hook: Your settlement is under siege; 2 vendor bots inbound to Docking Pad.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Activate Security Link (connect bots to turrets).
S20 Wave 1: Hold outer gate (bots path in; if damaged <25%, bonus).
S30 Wave 2: Protect offload (bots switch to med/munitions mode; settlers grab supplies)
S40 Boss Wave: Raider Sapper targets bots with EMP; counter with EMP Net or snipe.
S50: Victory tally → Happiness +, TaxCaps payout scaled by bot health and supplies delivered.

Rewards

Auto-Vendor Bay (Tier 2) plan, permanent +2% settlement vendor margin.

Fail States

Both bots destroyed → heavy repair cost, −settlement happiness.

Unreal-style (pseudo)


OnWaveStart(n){ SpawnWave(n); if (n==2) Bots->SwitchRole(MedMunitions); }
OnVictory(){ Settlement->ModifyHappiness(+X); GrantPlan("AutoVendorBay_T2"); }

Q11 — “Rogue Personality” (AI Quirk / Keep or Cure)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_RoguePersonality
Type: Character quest for a glitched SUGAR-ATON.
Hook: Bot develops a quirky persona (“stand-up comic”) causing customer congestion and price misquotes.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Record 3 malfunction barks as evidence.
S20: Choose fix:
- Reset Personality Core (Corp approval; bot becomes efficient, bland).
- Sandbox the Quirk (install governor; keep jokes, fix pricing).
- Sell to Traveling Show (caps now; lose bot in region, unlock vanity skin).
S30: Apply chosen module; assess customer queue speed.

Rewards

Reset: +Corp rep, +2% brand discount (permanent).
Sandbox: Unique vendor perk “Morale Munchies” (snacks grant +1% XP for 30 min).
Sell: Large caps, cosmetic skin “Marquee”.

Papyrus (branch resolution)


If PickedReset
  Bot.ApplyPersonality("Default")
  BrandSystem.AdjustRep(+8)
ElseIf PickedSandbox
  Bot.ApplyGovernor("QuipLimiter")
  Player.AddPerk(Perk_MoraleMunchies)
Else
  Bot.DisableNoWait()
  Player.AddItem(Caps001, 800)
EndIf

Q12 — “Operator’s Line” (Permit Chain → Build Your Bot)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_OperatorsLine
Type: Multi-step license culminating in crafting your own bot.
Hook: The full Vendor Operator exam: logistics, ethics, emergency handling.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Written test (dialogue quiz; 8 questions, pass ≥6).
S20: Logistics run (deliver mixed stock under weight cap, path across 3 nodes).
S30: Ethics scenario (choose who to serve first: wounded settler vs. paying mercs).
S40: Emergency: simulate robbery; choose deterrents (non-lethal preferred for bonus).
S50: Final audit; receive Operator’s Permit and Auto-Vendor Bay (Owner’s Model).

Rewards

Craftable Basic Vendor-Bot (settlement constructible), Owner discount −10% with all brands.

Fail States

Fail two or more segments → cooldown 72 in-game hours to retry.

Unreal-style (pseudo)


Score = QuizScore + LogisticsScore + EthicsScore + EmergencyScore;
if (Score >= Threshold) UnlockBuildableBot();

Q13 — “Cold Chain” (Temperature Logistics)

Quest ID: Q_WVM_ColdChain
Type: Environmental logistics; keep Cold Gauge above threshold.
Hook: Nuka-Stride must deliver “Cryo-Tonics” to a clinic; coolant leaks in heatwave.

Objectives & Stages

S10: Acquire 2x Coolant Coils or craft Patch Gel.
S20: Keep Cold Gauge ≥ 50 during transit:
- Avoid sun; use tunnels/overhangs.
- Stop at Shade Nodes to tick recovery.
- Optional: deploy Solar Awning (reduces decay).
S30: Arrive; bonus if Cold Gauge ≥ 80.

Rewards

Doc’s Draft x2, Cold-Loop+ mod blueprint.

Fail States

Gauge hits 0 → spoilage; reduced reward, −rep.

Papyrus (gauge tick)


Float ColdGauge = 100.0
Event OnUpdateGameTime()
  Float ambient = WeatherSystem.GetHeatIndex()
  ColdGauge -= ambient * 0.5
  If PlayerInShade() ColdGauge += 0.2
  If ColdGauge <= 0
    SetStage(90) ; spoil
  EndIf
  RegisterForSingleUpdateGameTime(0.02)
EndEvent

Drop-In Data (Tables & Lists)

Stock Pools (JSON)


{
  "Drinks": ["PurifiedWater","NukaCola","IcedTea","DocDraft"],
  "Snacks": ["Jerky","NutBar","CramDeluxe","SugarBites"],
  "Chems": ["Stimpak","RadAway","Antibiotic","Calmant"],
  "Repair": ["WeaponKit","ArmorKit","AdhesivePack","GreaseKit"],
  "AmmoSafeLoads": { "9mm": 20, "10mm": 15, "5.56": 12, "12ga": 8 }
}

Price Curves (CSV)


Item,Base,ScarcityMult_Wasteland,ScarcityMult_Urban,Event_RadStorm,Event_Warzone
PurifiedWater,12,1.2,0.9,1.4,1.1
Stimpak,45,1.1,1.0,1.0,1.3
WeaponKit,60,1.0,1.1,1.0,1.2
9mm_SafeLoad,1.2,1.1,1.0,1.0,1.2

UI Strings (additions)

OBJ_WVM_QMD_S30: “Provide at least two upkeep services during the hire window.”
OBJ_WVM_BRAND_S20: “Install price governors on the listed vendor units.”
OBJ_WVM_GHOST_S20: “Keep detection low while escorting to the hidden dock.”
OBJ_WVM_PRESS_S20: “Clear the jam without damaging the press.”
OBJ_WVM_SIEGE_S20: “Hold the gate while bots dock at the pad.”
OBJ_WVM_ROGUE_S20: “Choose how to resolve the bot’s personality glitch.”
OBJ_WVM_OPLINE_S20: “Complete all operator exam segments.”
OBJ_WVM_COLD_S20: “Maintain Cold Gauge ≥ 50 during delivery.”

Integration Notes

All escort-type quests can reuse your PKG_WVM_EscortFollow, PKG_WVM_FleeAndSmoke, PKG_WVM_LockdownAnchor.
Stealth quest uses a simple additive Detection Score; clamp and expose to HUD for accessibility.
Economy flips modify GV_WVM_RegionalPriceMult plus time-of-day modifiers; ensure sleeping/fast-travel advances timers and reevaluates markets.