Post by Paul on Jul 16, 2010 12:42:56 GMT -6
I’ve had some questions and concerns about my use of NPCs in the past and really wanted to write my thoughts out as to why I do the things I do.
I can understand the confusion people have to the large amount of NPCs I use, but I do have their bios and pictures on the forum and old printed pages of them.
First off I just wanted to go over a moment in Star Wars Episode IV that will lead into my use of NPCs. This story can be summed up by one person Biggs Darklighter. Why Biggs? In the original run of episode IV (before the rereleases) we never saw Luke interact with Biggs. Then why was Luke so bummed out when Biggs got killed in the Death Star Trench? I didn’t know until the rerelease when we find out that Biggs and Luke are old friends. What does this have to with it, everything! I want people to feel the loss of a former ally and friend not just some person that shows up, helps us, and then dies. In no way did Biggs overshadow Luke and in no way did it create a story about Biggs. I want emotional attachment to some NPCs which can be very difficult in a pen and paper game. Blue 16 just got killed, um ok so what but Biggs just bought it, on no not Biggs!
The NPCs are great for a story advance too. Call if railroading if you want. We are at a crossroads do we go left or right? Most GMs just make whatever choice you make the choice they want the story to advance. I do the same but sometimes with a twist. We approach the path to the right and you feel the dark side pulsating down your spine, fear and anger cloud your mind and your Jedi guide falls to his knees. Do you still want to go? I didn’t put a huge steel door in the way, I didn’t put a magical field saying you can’t go that way, but if you still want to go that way I’ll make sure you pay for ignoring the warnings. Did I interrupt your free will? Nope. The choice is still there.
I can understand the confusion people have to the large amount of NPCs I use, but I do have their bios and pictures on the forum and old printed pages of them.
First off I just wanted to go over a moment in Star Wars Episode IV that will lead into my use of NPCs. This story can be summed up by one person Biggs Darklighter. Why Biggs? In the original run of episode IV (before the rereleases) we never saw Luke interact with Biggs. Then why was Luke so bummed out when Biggs got killed in the Death Star Trench? I didn’t know until the rerelease when we find out that Biggs and Luke are old friends. What does this have to with it, everything! I want people to feel the loss of a former ally and friend not just some person that shows up, helps us, and then dies. In no way did Biggs overshadow Luke and in no way did it create a story about Biggs. I want emotional attachment to some NPCs which can be very difficult in a pen and paper game. Blue 16 just got killed, um ok so what but Biggs just bought it, on no not Biggs!
The NPCs are great for a story advance too. Call if railroading if you want. We are at a crossroads do we go left or right? Most GMs just make whatever choice you make the choice they want the story to advance. I do the same but sometimes with a twist. We approach the path to the right and you feel the dark side pulsating down your spine, fear and anger cloud your mind and your Jedi guide falls to his knees. Do you still want to go? I didn’t put a huge steel door in the way, I didn’t put a magical field saying you can’t go that way, but if you still want to go that way I’ll make sure you pay for ignoring the warnings. Did I interrupt your free will? Nope. The choice is still there.
