NPCs in the standalone would be amazing. There can be good NPCs and also bad. The 'good guys' could just be fake survivors who need help in situations (Like zombie attacks or they need a bandage patch up), then give you rewards for helping. Or you could just rob them. When or if the Day Z team adds 'safe zones', there should be shops, maybe. I just wouldn't want the shops to turn into a pay to win type deal. And then the 'bad guys' could guard buildings, or set up bandit-like camps full of guards and loot. It might be asking for a lot, but I think it would be thrilling if the bandit NPCs kidnapped real players and brought the player inside a camp. The player would be tied up in a tent for a few minutes and then the bandits would kill the player, roast him over a fire, or let him go. Its all randomized! In those few minutes of imprisonment, the player could post in chat asking for help, or ask their friend who is online with him. If his friend gets to the camp, he would have to fight against the bandits who have a randomized weapons ranging from melee to rifles. If the kidnapping idea is too much, then bandit camps with NPC guards and supplies would still be a fun experience.
