s&box ScientistNpc: Fear-based NPC

ScientistNpc Class API Reference

ScientistNpc is an NPC with a fear system that flees when damaged. When not afraid, wanders or inspects nearby props. Implements IDamageable.

Type Signature

public class ScientistNpc : Npc, Component.IDamageable
{
    [Property, ClientEditable, Range(1, 100), Sync] public float Health { get; set; } = 100f;
    public float AfraidLevel { get; }

    [Property, Group("Balance")] private float FearGracePeriod { get; set; } = 3f;
    [Property, Group("Balance")] private float FearDecayRate { get; set; } = 0.15f;
}

Properties

• float Health { get; set; } = 100f - NPC health
• float AfraidLevel { get; } - Current fear level (0-1), computed from peak fear and time since hurt
• float FearGracePeriod { get; set; } = 3f - Seconds at full fear before decay begins
• float FearDecayRate { get; set; } = 0.15f - Fear units lost per second after grace period

Behavior

Fear System:

• Fear escalates with each hit (damage / 50, clamped to 1)


• Fear stays at peak for grace period, then decays


• When afraid, flees from attacker


• When not afraid, wanders or inspects nearby props

IDamageable Implementation

• OnDamage(in DamageInfo damage) - Reduces health, escalates fear, interrupts schedule, tracks attacker

Usage

// Create a scientist NPC
var npc = GameObject.Components.Create<ScientistNpc>();
npc.Health = 50f;

Notes

• Uses schedules: ScientistFleeSchedule, ScientistWanderSchedule, ScientistInspectPropSchedule, ScientistIdleSchedule
• Tracks stats for scares and kills
• Finds nearby props within 2048 units to inspect
• Fear decays over time after grace period