I've placed a ReloadBench, and I have my new NPC standing next to it... but I cannot get him to "use" it - either with a variety of other packages, or trying to design a custom package for him. Obviously I'm missing something - either in the creation of a package, or is there something I need to do to the ReloadBench I placed?

Place an idlemarker for the animation you want him to use. You can check the "ignore by sandbox" on it and set a package to use that specific ref.

<--- clueless and just trying to learn GECK

...so I take it an idlemarker is something I need to create within the cell that overlays the reload table, and is somehow specific for the actual idle animation -- then it is the ref of the idlemarker (not the reload table) that I'm setting the package for?

Correct. Other than furniture (beds/chairs), idlemarkers are what tell AI what they can do and where.

OK, apparently I'm still missing something.

I created the idlemarker no problem, set it to ignore sandbox, have the idle anims I want, etc.

I can't figure out how to point a package to it though - all of the different package types that have options for specific references, list only items/actors - no idlemarkers.

What "Package Type" am I supposed to be using for this?

(Thank you for your help by the way... I -am- learning, and it is much appreciated)

The idlemarker is used as a location. When the NPC is at the idlemarker they will play the animation (or animations) associated with the idlemarker. So you set it as the location, which will require you to doubleclick it and make it a reference. You can then edit your package and choose near reference from the location box, then choose the idlemarker.

Ah, PERSISTENT reference... that was the word I was missing.

Thanks for all the help folks - I now have my NPC dilligently leaning over the reload bench like he should be.