Relationships & NPCs

In Darklordz Online, the world doesn’t just exist – it remembers you. The people you meet may help you, ignore you, betray you, or fall in love with you. Every action builds or breaks trust, and your reputation can open doors… or get them slammed in your face.

NPCs aren’t background props. They have names, routines, preferences, and opinions – and many of them talk.

Favor System

Every interactable NPC has a hidden favor score with you. This score is affected by:

  • Conversation choices
  • Gifts or bribes
  • Completing (or failing) tasks
  • Helping them (or hurting their friends)
  • Your race, appearance, or reputation
  • Using magic or violence around them

Favor ranges from Hostile to Loyal, and changes how they speak, act, and what they offer.

Relationship Levels

NPCs will gradually unlock different interaction options as you earn their trust:

  • Neutral – Default. Polite but distant. May offer minor info.
  • Friendly – Greets you by name, shares rumors, gives light help.
  • Trusted – Offers quests, access to items, or gossip about others.
  • Bonded – Will defend you, follow you, or grant unique bonuses.
  • Romanced – Deep emotional tie; may unlock storylines, boosts, or jealousy conflicts.

Likewise, negative actions may lead to:

  • Suspicious – Passive-aggressive or avoidant. May raise prices or ignore you.
  • Hostile – Refuses to interact, reports you to guards, or attacks on sight.

Romance & Companionship

Some NPCs are romanceable, depending on your choices, charisma, and favor.

  • Romance is optional and story-driven, not a checklist.
  • You may receive companionship bonuses, gifts, or passive effects (e.g., improved stamina regen when resting near them).
  • Jealousy, betrayal, or heartbreak are real possibilities.
  • Romanced NPCs may follow you, assist in combat, or request personal quests.

Each romance arc is different – some cute, some tragic, some… cursed.

Gifting & Bribery

  • Use give [item] to [npc] to offer a gift.
  • Some items increase favor, others offend (e.g., don’t give dried meat to a vegetarian monk).
  • Bribes work better on shady or desperate NPCs.
  • Favor gains are higher if you know what they value — learn their backstory.

Example:

“The blacksmith eyes the dagger you hand her, turning it over in her calloused hands. ‘Not bad,’ she mutters. +3 favor”

Hidden Reactions

Not all NPCs are obvious about how they feel:

  • Some lie or withhold until trust is high.
  • Some fake friendliness while planning revenge.
  • Some secretly share info with factions, lovers, or enemies.
  • Some vanish or die if neglected too long.

Every action might ripple beyond what you see.

Relationships with Factions

Favor isn’t just for individuals – it’s tracked with entire groups:

  • Help the Ashfang orcs raid a caravan? You gain favor with them but lose favor with the town you attacked.
  • Complete quests for the Order of the Quiet Bell and earn their protection – but draw suspicion from the Embercloaks.
  • Reputation may affect pricing, safety, and world events (e.g., guards step aside if you’re a known war hero).

Faction favor may unlock:

  • Custom gear or mounts
  • Storyline shifts
  • Unique spells or services
  • Special housing or rank titles

Building Bonds in a Harsh World

  • Favor decays slowly over time if ignored.
  • Actions in front of others can shift favor with bystanders (e.g., attacking a merchant in a crowd affects the whole town).
  • NPCs may remember your past and bring it up in later regions.
  • Strong relationships can shape the ending of your story arc or grant unique story rewards.