Do I understand correctly that there can be only one settlement of each of the NPC´s on a map.
There are multiple dwellings for each NPC faction on a planet, but maps size + #players is a factor. (median=3 dwellings for a 6 player map). Not all NPC types exist together on a normal planet. These dwellings are subject to the same relation with the player but dwellings can acquired individually. If you build up a good relation with a faction in one area of the world, that relation will benefit you on a new continent for example, so you can get a quick foothold. This shared relation is why we have stopped using the name "independents" for them.
A NPC Faction has the following map entities associated with them:
- Dwellings: usually multiple per map, claims sectors. Strongly defended.
- (Forward) Bases: usually multiple are scattered around a dwelling, not necessarily attached. Similar to Brigand spawners when hostile. Claim sectors.
- Individual Structure Guards (scattered around the map, guarding resources nodes, pickups)
- Patrols: Guard territory around dwellings
- Raiding Armies: Attack enemy territory; originate from dwellings or bases.
- Boss Armies: high level raiding armies
- Then the RMG associates particular assets with them, like Growth having particular tentacle tiles and places particular resources and Hazards near them based on their theme.
NPC factions have a noisy clustering; meaning a Dwelling + Bases + Resource Guards don't sit in a clumped ball on a map, but territory has holes and mixes with other NPC factions.
Does the forward base give a claim on the sectors that border the forward base sector as well, or just the one sector? Is establishing a forward base different than (or necessary for) settling a sector like the AoW3 forts vs outposts?
In current builds forward bases project sector claims around them. But this is subject to balance and RMG density adjustments.