There would of course be a number of bots running stores, inns, some giving out quests ("OH DEAR MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED. LOL" - I would have this actually be the quest text if I had a quest fitting this archetype.) and others who would simply stand around and serve very little purpose, but I would like it if there was always a fair few players around at any given time to encourage actual player interaction. You're not forced to act like the NPCs but you are a part of their world.
Also rather than "click the bot, have it message your chat" bots would use the same chat system as players, and even respond to such, perhaps even from other bots - this could spawn hilarity if the local bum accidentally talks to the prostitute on his street corner, or if a wandering citizen accidentally says a keyword that triggers a shopkeeper, causing the shopkeep to accuse him of stealing and calling the city guards who then proceed to slaughter this innocent, moronic AI - so hanging around towns MAY WELL BE ENTERTAINING. Who would've guessed. Maybe NPCs could actually talk to each other, so instead of having to rumormonger town yourself for interesting tidbits, the bots themselves might do it and you can just eavesdrop. Of course looking directly at someone within talking range when you speak would indicate that the message is directed at them ("eye contact"), which would modify the chat to be more like 'Clockturn whispers to Treynolds, "I'm going to rape you..."' to indicate that they're speaking to that person. This particular function is void for bots, instead it will indicate this if they're responding to someone elses speech. Maybe bots would only respond to this form of communication.
Rant rant rant.
Sounds very similar to something im working on, but since its mostly an event driven RPG im doing the best i can.
Currently ive hit a few bulleye's on your list there...
- The current city is bursting with life, its nice and full on the side we have done, theres no open areas of nothing.
- The bots wander the city, theres no "quest board", you can talk to bots and get into a conversation.
- The bots have personalities, its not some blank text, im trying to make them memorable.
- Bots have unique names, more or less fitting the "Oblivion Name style"
- There are guards, and they will chase you down if you break the law, or just kill you and be done with it.
ps. Hope no one thinks im just advertising :p , i just wanted to let people know that im trying to accomplish some things that are lacking in other RPG's