Highlights
Fans of Starfield are particularly intrigued by the Trade Authority clerk from Cydonia, who has made a lasting impression on the community.
Trade Authority clerks are often portrayed as rude or greedy, but on Mars, Manaaki Almonte has defied these stereotypes and gained acclaim for their positive demeanor and friendly nature.
Among the numerous NPCs and crew members in Starfield, one Trade Authority clerk from Cydonia has captured the attention of fans. Players who engage in illicit dealings in Starfield are likely well-acquainted with the Trade Authority, as its vendors are the sole buyers of illegal goods outside of the Crimson Fleet faction in the Settled Systems. This exclusive position not only makes them indispensable but also allows them to leave a lasting impression on the community – reminiscent of how Belethor's charming personality endeared him to Skyrim fans in the past.
However, Starfield's NPCs have received mixed reviews from players. Some find the Constellation companions to be too strict and overly obedient. When compared to the diverse and well-written characters in Fallout 4, the companions in Starfield feel lacking both in their mechanics and storytelling. As a result, many players have gravitated towards Vasco, the Constellation robot, who does not have a strong moral stance.
Regarding the Trade Authority clerks, players generally view them as rude, greedy, or untrustworthy individuals. However, Manaaki Almonte, the Trade Authority vendor on Mars, breaks this stereotype completely. Since the launch of Starfield, there have been numerous appreciation threads praising Manaaki's attitude and overall personality. The most recent Reddit thread, started by Algorhythm74, contains comments that unanimously agree that Manaaki is one of the most calming and kind-hearted NPCs in the entire game.
In Starfield's Sol system, there are notable individuals, like Denis Averin, Luthor Atlanta, and Joyce Osaka, suggesting that the star of humankind attracts laid-back individuals, aligning with the overall concept of it being a tranquil destination in the Settled Systems. Bethesda's open-world games excel in featuring minor NPCs scattered throughout the game, and this aspect carries over into Starfield.
Regrettably, Manaaki, a Trade Authority vendor, cannot join the player as a crew member on their interstellar journeys. However, the community may transform Manaaki into a fully-fledged follower using the official modding tools for Starfield, set to release in early 2024. Hopefully, the upcoming Shattered Space DLC for Starfield will bring forth more memorable NPCs for players to engage with.
Starfield is available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.