Would be nice (and very helpful in containment of bandit activity, which I sincerely hope will see overhaul to be much more impactful and varied!) to see those passive "militia" numbers for any settlement to actually form up into relatively small patrol groups (15-20) and actively attempt to keep at least "trade routes" (can we get the roads between settlements suggested by another poster in, too - it would absolutely simplify implementation of this) safe from bandits, or act as spotters against hostile war parties.
It would also allow the player much more opportunity for increasing relationship with notables through assisting in field battles. Right now, in between the scarcity of village parties that get attacked, and the comparable speed between looters, bandits, and villagers making it a rare occurrence in the first place, such opportunities are once a blue moon. Really a bummer considering it's a major enabler of "emergent gameplay" experience.
Militia patrols would just make the world FEEL more alive. While at it, give them some conversation options warning about nearby bandit lairs with some general directions to it (without revealing, so scouts can still level up spotting those), rumors about goods prices in nearby villages, their state of prosperity or any potential issues (quest notifications) and other informational feedback. Maybe even news from further away, like town sieges, or major battles just concluded.
Anyway, right now they are wasting their time eating up all the butter. Get them moving if only to keep them in shape!
It would also allow the player much more opportunity for increasing relationship with notables through assisting in field battles. Right now, in between the scarcity of village parties that get attacked, and the comparable speed between looters, bandits, and villagers making it a rare occurrence in the first place, such opportunities are once a blue moon. Really a bummer considering it's a major enabler of "emergent gameplay" experience.
Militia patrols would just make the world FEEL more alive. While at it, give them some conversation options warning about nearby bandit lairs with some general directions to it (without revealing, so scouts can still level up spotting those), rumors about goods prices in nearby villages, their state of prosperity or any potential issues (quest notifications) and other informational feedback. Maybe even news from further away, like town sieges, or major battles just concluded.
Anyway, right now they are wasting their time eating up all the butter. Get them moving if only to keep them in shape!
