If you would like to trade-in any of the old NPC that aren't producing for new NPC which are producing, list the NPC you are trading in and what NPC you would like to receive in exchange--it's a simple one for one swap.
You can keep the old ones, but there is no plan to use any of the old ones as they merely shuffle a few trait and tax schemes, while applying a level factor of X--basically M, IC and SCI were produced by them with only the ratio and NPC-name changed--there were some bonus functions (as in MANAGER AND ASSISTANT), but the production methods were never fleshed out enough for them to be used uniformly, or without intense ADMIN oversight.
Inactive NPC: Artisan, Assistant, Cook, Chef, Engineer, KitchenAid, Manager, Specialist, Waitress
Active NPC: Miner, Wor-1 (eventually merged to WORKER), But-9 (eventually merged to BUTLER), Baker, Butcher, Merchant, Scientist, Fisherman, Woodcutter, PTE (other Army NPC are active, but PTE will only be available for trade)
Tailors are in limbo atm as the suit system has never been effective and is in need of change. Most likely a CLOTH creation system will be implemented and players can create clothes of varying colors and levels from that basis, but I'm willing to implement any system that makes sense. Personally, I'd like to hand this off to someone who has a high level interest in clothing--as I'd be happy to wear sandals and hoody every day, including funerals and weddings.
LRI (#2079) would like to exchange 1*Eng-1, 2*Eng-2, 3*Eng-3 and 2*Mgr-1 for 8*Scientist as well as 2*Ass-1 for whatever Wor is equivalent. Thank you.
Also, regarding tailoring, we already have silk, so could introduce Wool that can be used to create old types and suits and Cloth (Cotton, Flax?) to produce new ones along with Silk. LRI is available to research looms, plyers, dyers and whatever else in the Textile Industry. Siberian Squirrel Pelts and new ones could be used as well.
Current Loafenhodl Research Subjects include the following industries: Alimentary, Seafairing, Military, Commerce. The current priority is developing the means to cure and preserve different kinds of food, while future areas of interest include advanced distillation machinery, lighter and faster peacetime ships, patent licensing, advanced banking and insurance systems, and many others.
A proper report with current endeavors and foreseeable advancements will be made available to the public in the near future, so that those interested may invest to direct and accelerate the technological and intellectual advancement process, along with an official announcement of LRI's opening to the public and an IPO of 30% of the institute's value and scientific production.