NPC Influence System

Overview

Every NPC in Break Escape tracks an influence variable representing the player's relationship with them. Influence changes trigger visual feedback to show the player when they've improved or damaged a relationship.

Ink Implementation

Variable Declaration

In your Ink story, declare an influence variable for each NPC:

VAR influence = 0
VAR npc_name = "Agent Smith"

Triggering Influence Changes

When the player does something that changes the relationship, modify the influence variable and add the corresponding tag:

Increasing Influence

=== helpful_choice ===
You helped me out. I won't forget that.
~ influence += 1
# influence_increased
-> hub

This displays: "+ Influence: Agent Smith" (green)

Decreasing Influence

=== rude_choice ===
That was uncalled for. I expected better from you.
~ influence -= 1
# influence_decreased
-> hub

This displays: "- Influence: Agent Smith" (red)

Visual Feedback

The influence system automatically shows a popup notification:

Position: Top center of screen
Duration: 2 seconds
Appearance: Pixel-art styled with sharp borders (no border-radius)
Colors:
- Green (#27ae60) for increases
- Red (#e74c3c) for decreases

Example Usage

VAR influence = 0
VAR trust_level = "stranger"

=== hub ===
{influence >= 5: ~ trust_level = "friend"}
{influence >= 10: ~ trust_level = "trusted ally"}
{influence <= -5: ~ trust_level = "suspicious"}

Hey there, {trust_level}.

+ [Ask for help]
    -> ask_help

+ [Be rude]
    -> be_rude

=== ask_help ===
Sure, I can help with that.
~ influence += 1
# influence_increased
-> hub

=== be_rude ===
Wow, okay. Forget I asked.
~ influence -= 2
# influence_decreased
-> hub

Technical Details

Tags processed: # influence_increased and # influence_decreased
Implementation: js/minigames/helpers/chat-helpers.js
Popup function: showInfluencePopup(npcName, direction)
NPC name source: Uses displayName → name → npcId fallback

Best Practices

Use meaningful increments: ±1 for small actions, ±2-3 for significant choices
Track thresholds: Use influence levels to unlock new dialogue options
Show consequences: Let NPCs react differently based on influence
Balance carefully: Avoid making influence too easy to maximize or minimize
Be consistent: Similar actions should have similar influence impacts

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