NPC types

NPCs give the dungeon memory and social texture. They should expose choices, warnings, tradeoffs, and consequences rather than only one-line flavor text.

Cartographer Venn

Venn marks routes, hints at hidden rooms, and helps the player understand map risk. Their dialogue should branch between direction, secrets, and paid services.

Wound Surgeon Iri

Iri handles healing, injury advice, and defensive rhythm. Their choices can ask whether the player wants quick healing, long-term protection, or information about enemy damage types.

Shrine Keeper Sol

Sol trades blessings and relic lore for focus decisions. Their role is to make spiritual choices feel mechanical: spend focus now, gain a blessing, or keep resources for combat.

Jailer Maro

Maro gives mimic warnings, lockpick branches, and trap advice. They should be useful before the player opens a suspicious chest or door.

Ash Merchant Pell

Pell sells deterministic trade items when the run has enough gold. Merchant inventory should be tied to seed and progression so it stays testable.