I think there should be more in-depth communication in DF. Like, say you want to know where the capital is. Well, obviously some people are going to know more about it than others. You ask some people:
Thief: "The capital is to the west."
Peasant: "I think the capital is to the north."
Educated Peasant: "I'm pretty sure the capital is to the southeast."
Mayor: "The capital is to the southeast, in the Hills of Justice."
Teenager: "Uh, I think the capital is east."
Child: "What?"
Baby: "Goo goo gah gah."
Child: "I'm not supposed to talk to you."
Peasant: "Isn't the capital to the south?"
You can then logically deduce that the capital is probably in the southeast.
Also, say you strike up a conversation with a woman:
"Hello."
"Hello there."
"Why, that hat looks lovely on you!"
"Why thank you!"
"I'm going to kill you."
"What?"
*shove*
"Hey!"
*slap*
"Well I never!"
"That is the most beautiful pair of leggings."
"Um... thank you?"
*spits at them*
This is an example of actions you should be able to use:
1- greet (greets a person, standard politeness)
2- compliment (work up favor towards you)
3- intimidate (attempt to scare a person, lose favor, win or lose respect, build up fear depending on person)
4- shove (attempt to discourage an attack, like shove an unruly child)
5- slap (show disrespect towards a person, like slap someone trying to put the moves on you, or insulting you behind your back)
6- spit (show disrespect, challenge person)
NPCs will, of course, be able to use every action you can.
[ April 13, 2008: Message edited by: Squeegy ]