Additional design details on what I call “non-cell hex parts” was requested on the 1.7 planning thread, so I am adding it here for now.
After processing any comments and alterations and if generally positive (whether there is truly time to implement or not), I will add the design to the wiki.
Non-Cell Hex Parts
The objectives are is to:
- Accurately represent the real-life biological structures that are not really made of cells.
- Let people place things that have different properties to their normal cells (such as providing much better defence), without allowing multiple membrane types in one species.
- Provide more variety in the design of Multicellular Species.
- Provide for specific functions really well, without the high upkeep, but also flexibility, of real cells.
Editor mechanics
These are found on the structure tab in the editor, under where the cell types are listed. A part can simply be selected and placed in a hex, same like you would do with a cell type. They have their own set MP cost, like organelles for cells. Unlike cells, you cannot modify them in any way. They are included in the growth order, same as cells.
For gating/unlocking these parts there are a few options, but none of these are necessary for the feature to exist at all. Having them available at all times would still be functional.
- Use the same unlock system as Organelles do.
- For them to be placed, require having certain parts inside the true cells.
- Only allow placement of non-cell parts that require cell Organelles adjacent to cells that have those parts.
- The first placement costs more MP, subsequent placements cost less / unlocking them costs MP.
Gameplay mechanics
Non-cell parts would functionally actually be pseudo-cells that use the same base mechanics. They grow, have collision, MP, have HP and can be destroyed, etc. However, there are also things that may (functionally) be missing/unused, for example ATP costs and processes. They also have traits that are normally connected to the membrane type (like damage resistances), but have them be different from the actual membrane type of the species.
Rather than having specific models, non-cell parts are typically made up of model-less invisible parts that just exists to have a membrane generated (and technically to provide some of the mechanics to the non-cell). The looks then thus come down to the membrane shape and texture. The hex size of these parts can technically be anything and in any case we rely on the membrane stretching system to make it shape itself to the rest of the body design. (this will work especially well if further membrane stretching improvements succeed) Making the “invisible part” large enough would ensure it covers enough area/surface. Considering the minimum size Multicellular cells have, they could easily be made to be 14 hexes.
Specific Examples
Shell
Basically the defensive benefits of a Calcium Carbonate membrane, without the hassle of having it as a cell.
- High HP (~200MP)
- High phyisical resistance, not so much toxin resistance
- 13 hexes invisible part, so has:
- 13 phosphate and ammonia cost
- Reasonably high mass so it slows you down a bit.
- But does not require any osmoregulation or movement cost for the above.
- Does not have processes.
- Cannot collect any compounds.
- Visually uses either a new texture (based on microscopic shell textures) or the one of the existing Calcium Carbonate membrane type. But importantly, it is a 100% rigid and opaque “membrane”.
Chitin Cuticle
Represents a tough but flexible outer layer made of proteins, like on roundworms and eventually arthropods.
Like the shell part, but:
- Medium HP (~100MP)
- Some physical and toxin resistance
- Low density, so it does not slow you down much
- Visually, can use an opaque and less wiggly (but not rigid) version of the Chitin texture, or some new texture.
Others
Other easy options are fluid pockets that can be used for low-maintenance storage.
Many other things are possible, but would rely on the same amount of effort as creating mechanics for a new Organelle, just that the end result would be using this framework instead of being placed inside a cell:
- Transportation cavities.
- Extracellular digestion area
Any thoughts on the above?