[WIP] Realistic Repair and Fieldstripping - Proof of Concept

[dogface]

This is just a proof of concept plugin ; install only if you're interested in seeing how it works, or if you want to look at the scripts and make them better, or if you really love this idea and want to help me get it finished. Make sure you untick it before you do any real playing.

I know I'm supposed to be working on the IMCN expansion, but I got sidetracked while experimenting with what I can do with objectscript variables.

I wrote up a workable base for a fundamental overhaul of the weapon repair system. So far this little plugin is just a Proof of Concept, so the only weapon it applies to is the 9mm pistol ; but applying it to other weapons is now just a matter of copypasting the script and changing a few objectID's. I don't want to start copypasting until I'm sure the scripts are okay though, since I'd rather make corrections and improvements once, instead of once for every weapon in NV.

So anyways, how it works ; equip your weapon (the 9mm pistol) and press the fieldstrip hotkey (it's O right now, but I'll add in a script that lets the player change that). A confirmation box pops up asking you if you want to strip the weapon down to parts. If you choose yes, the weapon is converted into four component parts each with their own condition (frame, barrel, action and internals). If you ever stripped and rebuilt this weapon before, it remembers the condition of it's components and adjusts them for any wear and tear incurred since you last took it apart). If it's a new weapon, it randomises their condition based on the weapon's condition. There are no meshes or textures for the gun parts (they use the vanilla scrap metal graphics), but hopefully some artistically inclined modders will like this concept and make up some meshes I can use.

To rebuild the weapon, equip the 9mm Pistol Frame and fire it. Then drop it, crouch over it and one-by-one equip the rest of the parts and activate the frame on the ground. (this clunky interface is required because there's no way of getting an item's condition unless it's equipped). They must be installed in order (frame, barrel, action, internals), but there are messages that'll prompt you what the next part to install is, so it shouldn't get too frustrating if you keep forgetting the order.

This means instead of quantum-merging every gun you find, you now know which parts should be replaced and can go around breaking up guns looking for that cherry locking action when yours is close to failing. Then you can sell the parts you didn't use instead of having them disappear into the ether. It also means some gun parts will be interchangable while some won't (for example, the wooden furniture from most of the shotguns/rifles could be interchangable, but the barrels and actions wouldn't be).

Theoretically, every gun that you've broken down and rebuilt at least once should remember the condition of it's component parts.

The gun parts themselves will be repairable only at a workbench, and will call on your repair skill and use up misc items. I still haven't decided on the exact details because I want it to be balanced but sensible ; so I haven't put that into the Proof of Concept yet. Suggestions are welcome.

With that explanation out of the way ; I need help and advice from gun enthusiasts to get the names of the parts right. Does "frame", "internals", "action" and "barrel" sound right? What should the parts be named for other types of guns? I'm planning 2 parts for simple melee weapons, 3 parts for 'simple' guns (break-action and revolvers), 4 parts for autoloading pistols, SMG's, lever/pump/bolt guns, etc. and 5 parts or more for anything complicated like assault rifles.

Anyone who has experience or knowledge in taking apart guns and putting back together, what would you suggest I call the gun parts? Especially when it comes to all the other types of guns, like rifles and SMGs. I'm pretty sure "internals" sounds wrong, but I don't know what else to call the fourth part.

And this goes double for anyone interested in sci-fi energy weapons, since I don't even have a basic comprehending of how they're supposed to work and what's supposed to be in them. Flux capacitors? Lenses? I got no clue.

RealisticRepair.esp