Suggestion: Nerf non-mission NPC's drastically

[Kauket]

The only faction that should have NPCs strong enough to deter visitors hostile to them is Nomads.

Strongly disagree. Personally NPCs should be strong around key areas, eg Zone-21, Manhattan, home areas for factions.

I used to think that too, but ultimately it's not fun for anyone involved if the interactions we're supposed to be looking for are screwed up by the presence of NPCs as described in the OP. Maaaybe you could make the case for restricted areas like Zone-21, Kansai, Sektor-7 etc., but not capitals and the like. Those are supposed to be "hangouts" that people can interact at.

So... don't initiate a fight at a capital world?

Sure, people will hide there, but they'll usually be covered by pobs with WPs anyway.

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