Then, there is a possible dead end when The Thing doesn't want to do anything, so I need the system to urge him act. As the basic solution, I currently stick with a countdown timer which reveals the identity of The Thing.
So I want to collect all your awesome ideas on the part of such a system. The idea I like the best is going to be implemented into the map (if it ever be finished

My main criteria are as follows:
1. The simplicity of understanding for a new player. The concept should be as natural and easy to understand as possible.
2. The simplicity of implementation. No, I'm not gonna spend all my life implementing this into the map.
Currently I'm seeing this system as a quest/puzzle people have to collectively accomplish to reveal the identity of The Thing. But I'm not sure about it's content. So I'm open for the discussion.
UPDATE:
We've not decided about concept that should urge The Thing to act yet, so keep posting your ideas! It's not really necessary to read the whole thread, if you want to post an idea, just check the list that follows.
UPDATE2:
Many interesting (or not very interesting

Categorized ideas list.
1. Based on personal timer.
a. Hunger meter (NudeRaider) - declined.
2. Based on global timer.
a. Simple timer that reveals the identity of The Thing (Wormer) - this is how it's working now.
b. Simple timer that reveals who is NOT The Thing (Wormer) - discussing.
c. Refreshing timer that resets upon player death (private_parts) - discussing.
3. Collective quest/puzzle.
a. Code breaking game (Wormer) - discussing.
b. Broken scanner (Wormer) - discussing.
9. Other.
a. The Thing activity detection (DevliN) - declined.
b. Items system with backpack (placeable spidermines and etc.) (UnholyUrine) - declined
c. Flicker inceptor (private_parts) - declined in it's current form.
d. Scent trail (JaFF) - discussing.
Post has been edited 10 time(s), last time on Apr 26 2011, 7:10 am by Wormer.
Some.