The Farmer, the Fisherman, and the Fabled Map

Hello friends! I hope you've had an amazing week. Today I wanted to share some more of what I've been working on in Martian Alchemist.

For the past few weeks, I've been working on some characters/NPCs that will come visit you in the shop. I'd like to introduce you to a few of them. I'm still working on their full backstory and dialogue (because I want them to feel like real people), but I at least have figured out their general design and also whether or not they will increase your reputation by doing business with them.

You've already met the first character: the Farmer. He's a fully autonomous AI that can withstand the harsh climate of Mars without letting up. His primary concerns are his crops and his neighbors. Though he does not have a humanoid face, he communicates his expression through the plants growing in his "head". Doing business with him will increase your reputation.

Next we have the Explorer. She loves discovering new and exciting planets, people, places, and things. You don't fully know what all of her motives are so she remains a neutral character and will neither harm nor improve your reputation, unless of course you really anger her with a botched deal.

Then we have the Bartender. He serves the citizens and visitors of Mars their libations of choice. He's friendly, kind, and cares a lot about his bar's reputation and service. Improving your business relationship with him will certainly improve your own store's reputation.

Though their face is obscured and they never reveal their identity, the Space Fisherman communicates their feelings by using a color-changing screen on their face shield. Unique, mysterious, and perhaps a bit unsettling, you're not quite sure exactly what they do or who they work for. Do they have good intentions? Or are they more nefarious? Up to you to decide. Serving them will neither harm nor improve your store's reputation.

And finally we have the Pirate Space Mechanic. One of the core NPCs and merchants you meet on Mars, the Pirate Space Mechanic is shady, dangerous, but also extremely helpful. You're not sure how—and you're certainly too afraid to ask—but he provides you with battery upgrades for your rover as well as other goodies and tools sure to make the potion making experience not only more efficient, but also less costly. Though he charges a pretty penny and the Martian citizens do not like him, you feel almost compelled to do business with him, even if it hurts your reputation.

I've also worked a lot on the map. This time, I'm quite happy with how it's turning out. But before I threw it up in Unity, I tested it in Pixlemator Pro to see if I liked how it looked. I think I'm on to something here and the pieces certainly do feel like they're all starting to come together.

Anyway, I hope you have an amazing rest of your week! Please do enjoy the weekend and as always, I'll see you next Friday :)