Time for a short summary of what you can expect in Alpha15, which should come out around late June.
- Salaries, the most hated mechanic in the history of KeeperRL is going to be removed! I was stubborn and trying to figure out a way to make the system work, but finally gave up.
- There will be an explicit minion population limit that starts at around 8 and can be increased to about 30 using various constructions.
- Throne. You'll be able to build one only after conquering your first hostile village. It will increase the population limit by about 10. It will have some other consequences too, most likely increasing enemy aggression, and allowing early retirement.
- Pigsty room that spawns pigs and serves as a dining room for your minions at the same time. Its real use though will be a one time increase of the population limit (by about 4).
- Statues that will each add 1 to the limit. Their cost in gold will increase exponentially.
- New uses for gold: most likely minion upgrading and diplomacy (dragons will suddenly become very greedy), and possibly hiring minions from friendly tribes.
- NPC AI: they will work in fields, go to sleep at night, and raise alarm when attacked. They will also kindly inform the player why they are attacking.
- Some new content: minions, enemies, items and spells. Not a lot though, it's not time yet for huge additions.