1. Core Framework: Dynamic Caravan Network
a. Trade Route Simulation
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Each caravan operates along pre-defined yet adaptive routes connecting settlements, outposts, and faction hubs.
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Routes dynamically change based on:
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Raider attacks, weather, and road conditions
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Player reputation with factions
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Regional prosperity and defense levels
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b. Supply & Demand Economy
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Settlements develop unique export/import profiles (food, scrap, weapons, medicine).
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A procedural algorithm drives price fluctuations, rewarding players who study market patterns.
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Faction-specific goods (Brotherhood tech, Raider drugs, NCR ammo) can spike trade wars or smuggling events.
2. Caravan Management System
a. Player Role Options
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Trader: Build your own caravan company — recruit guards, manage inventory, set prices.
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Protector: Escort caravans for pay or reputation.
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Bandit: Ambush convoys for loot or ransom.
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Broker: Manipulate prices, forge alliances, or sabotage routes between rival factions.
b. Recruitment & Staffing
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Hire named companions or procedural recruits (drivers, mechanics, guards, scouts).
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AI-driven morale and loyalty systems — mistreated or underpaid guards may betray or abandon you.
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Specialists (e.g., chem cook, arms dealer) grant caravan bonuses or unlock rare trade items.
c. Caravan Customization
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Vehicles or beasts of burden (Brahmin, mutant horses, makeshift trucks, repurposed Vertibirds).
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Armor plating, mounted turrets, camo paint, or stealth field emitters.
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Optional “Caravan Base” — a mobile camp with crafting and storage extensions.
3. Settlement & Faction Integration
a. Faction Influence Web
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Each faction tries to control key trade routes or hubs.
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Player choices affect global economy balance — aiding one faction can starve another.
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Faction caravans have aesthetic and behavioral differences:
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Brotherhood: High-tech convoys with laser security drones.
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Raiders: Chaotic, loud, prone to infighting.
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Synths or AI factions: Automated caravans requiring hacking or EMP attacks.
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b. Settlement Growth Loop
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Prosperous caravans increase settlement happiness and production.
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Frequent raids or losses reduce morale and population growth.
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Settlement leaders send trade requests to the player (build contracts, deliver supplies, escort missions).
4. AI & Event Systems
a. Adaptive Caravan AI
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Caravans react to threats: flee, fight, or seek shelter in nearby settlements.
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Route AI predicts risk vs. reward: a long but safe route vs. a short, raider-infested shortcut.
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NPC caravan leaders develop rivalries or alliances with others, shaping world events.
b. Dynamic Events
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Ambushes, negotiations, weather-related route changes, or betrayal mid-journey.
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Player-triggered “Trade Wars” — factions fight over control of choke points or depots.
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Legendary caravan encounters (rumored traders with unique gear or lore items).
5. Interactive UI & Management Tools
a. Pip-Boy Trade Interface
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World map overlay showing caravan routes, risk zones, and live tracking.
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Toggle filters: faction control, economic stability, trade heatmap.
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Auto-trade contracts and real-time alerts for lost or delayed caravans.
b. Settlement Terminal Interface
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Build, repair, or assign caravans via terminals.
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Manage trade laws, taxes, or black-market permits.
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AI-generated reports on trade income, lost shipments, and raider threats.
6. Late-Game & Expansion Systems
a. Faction Trade Empires
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Unlock control over entire regional networks (like the Crimson Caravan in New Vegas).
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Construct “Trade Fortresses” — heavily guarded depots that serve as hubs for diplomacy and resource control.
b. Player-Driven Economy Evolution
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Influence wasteland politics by cornering markets (e.g., monopolizing medical stims).
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Sponsor smaller caravans, build alliances, or form a Wasteland Trade Federation.
c. Hybrid Caravan Warfare
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Introduce Caravan Defense Missions (real-time skirmishes).
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Battle rival caravans over territory using AI-controlled convoys with strategic commands.
7. Immersive Story Integration
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Narrative missions tied to caravan betrayals, raider infiltrations, or mutant trade diplomacy.
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The player may uncover ancient trade data terminals revealing pre-war routes or hidden vault caches.
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Long-term outcome paths:
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“Merchant Prince” — economic dominance and political sway.
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“Caravan Warlord” — militarized convoys and raider diplomacy.
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“Liberator of Trade” — rebuilds free commerce and unites settlements.
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