NPCing over PCing

[Traeger]

Hi everybody. I haven't played withing the last 2 years cuz of school etc. I was reading the thread about how many players there are and looking at the numbers I remember back when I NPCed at NJ that we had a lot of players and a good PC to NPC ratio because that event there was almost an emergency call for NPCs. I then started to remember how much fun I had as an NPC and in my mind I almost think that I like NPCing more. Does anybody else share this opinion.

 

[Dreamingfurther]

I find NPC'ing to be easier and more relaxing because you don't have to worry so much about all your stuff, staying alive, building good IG relationships, complicated plots, and having a ton of props.

Of course that's largely because I haven't held an Owner/GM/Head of Plot position yet as an NPC. I'm sure for those people NPC'ing can be way more work/hard than PC'ing. But that's my take on it. If your just NPC'ing to be the "do what you tell me" guy I find NPC'ing to be easier, and often more fun. Especially if you enjoy makeup and lots of different roles/fighting types/styles.

That said the one other downside of NPC'ing is that you can only really hang out and shoot the breeze with ppl OOG. As a PC you can do it OOG or IG, so one small downside.

 

[jnelson]

That said the one other downside of NPC'ing is that you can only really hang out and shoot the breeze with ppl OOG. As a PC you can do it OOG or IG, so one small downside.

Not at all. If you want to build relationships or "shoot the breeze" with folks as an NPC, talk to your plot team. Request to come out as an RP NPC, maybe a farmer with information on disturbances, or a traveling merchant, or just a traveler with a tale to tell.

At the National Event, one of the things that really impressed me was the number of times an NPC would walk into the tavern and just sit quietly to have a drink, engaging folks in conversation when they would walk in. This was all done IG. Think about it...what's the best way to get the information you need? Off to buy the local a drink and they will likely tell you tales. Plenty of opportunities if you take the time to talk them over with plot and your NPC marshalls.

 

[Angrydurf]

When I was on plot we set it so that whenever the NPCs went to the kitchen for food /drinks they had to go in as an NPC townsperson. We gave soem basic rumors and they were free to spread anything else they heard IG. It added alot to the game and we had fewer tables full of "spooky feelings"

Also I've noticed that when NPCs eat in the tavern out of game the rest of the game falls out pretty quickly.

Now this woudln't be an issue at a site with a seperate NPC kitchen etc but our site has the one dining area so no real choice if the NPCs are gonna get fed.

 

[Dreamingfurther]

Yea its much better when NPC's need to go to the PC tavern or whatever to get food for them to go IG. I agree it also really quickly stops being an IG atmosphere when more than a few people are hanging around with white headbands on.

 

[Shay]

I've done nothing but NPC so far. I enjoy it, but I've started feeling like I haven't really gotten to know the players that well in my months thus far of playing, so I asked plot if I could have a recurring NPC. I figure if I threaten to make my PC otherwise they might give in so they can keep an NPC.

I should probably also head to the tavern as a townsman more often. I'm just constantly paranoid about not knowing enough about the things that a townsperson should know. "Yeah, been quiet 'round here..." (oog: what's that, there was a big battle last night after I went to bed? Oops...) "Yeah, sure am glad you guys won..." <g>

 

[Mike Ventrella]

I'm a stickler about having an IG tavern! I know not everyone is...

At that forementioned national event, I was playing the tavernkeeper. At one point, one of the owners of another chapter who was NPCing came in with a headband on and asked for a drink. I completely ignored him. He then went and had a seat and started talking to the PCs, and I had to tell him to leave, which I didn't enjoy doing...

At the Faire Play site, we are so picky about it that if we see players come into the tavern with soda or water bottles, we'll bring them a cup and pour their drinks into them and then take the bottles. And we're talking real cups here, not paper cups. Of course, we also have the advantage of a permanent site...

But yeah, I think the whole point of the game is to have the proper atmosphere so you can immerse yourself in the game, and that includes making all IG areas as IG as possible at all times.

 

[markusdark]

I prefer PCing over NPCing as I have more control over my own body that way. If my knee is acting up, I can decide to stay at the tavern instead of going on the big mod. If I feel like not talking to anyone, I can go hide in my ward and have a nap. Although this could also be true for NPC's with an understaing plot, I would feel that I was not giving 100% to them, which always makes me feel bad.

I also like it when NPC's come in to eat in character. There is one that my character is very interested in right now and as a player, I don't know if what he is feeding me is a bunch of hooey or if it is an actual plotline, but every mealtime, here's there as that NPC and we sit down and have a chat while we dine.

As for taverns... NEROWest had done an excellent job with the lodge where the Alliance now plays, including buying and at every event hanging chandeliers with the flame bulbs in it so that we could do away with the flourencents. They had mugs and I was required as the tavernkeep to keep the soda bottles behind the bar and as out of sight as possible. I have found that the more work that is put into atmosphere, the more others try to do the same.

 

[Tetsu]

I would say my enjoyment is equal on both sides of the fence for different reasons.

I find it really satisfying to entertain people. I like putting a smile on their face or fear in their heart. Genuinely making somebody laugh or having them tell me after an encounter they were legitimately afraid are the best things I can hear. Evoking true emotions in game is challenging sometimes, but it makes for the best and most memorable moments in Alliance. If I have done that as an NPC or PC I think I did a good job that weekend.

Clearly, I suck at answering this question in a decisive manner. I suppose I cannot give a clean cut response so I say this: Try to NPC one time for each chapter you play in a year (or say you are super invested in Plot_X, hop fence for a wave battle or something sometime). PC the rest of the time and have a blast. It's good times either way and you're giving back to the staff members who bust their *** each month to bring you all this crazy crap.

Word,

Justin

 

[Traeger]

I'm a stickler about having an IG tavern! I know not everyone is...

At that forementioned national event, I was playing the tavernkeeper. At one point, one of the owners of another chapter who was NPCing came in with a headband on and asked for a drink. I completely ignored him. He then went and had a seat and started talking to the PCs, and I had to tell him to leave, which I didn't enjoy doing...

Well wouldn't it have been better to tell him to return as an NPC or something. Ignoring doesn't seem like it would solve the OOG problem.

Anyway

Yeah I can see the downside of being an NPC and doing a lot but thats sorta why I like it. I'm not the chill out and relax type of guy so NPCing often allows me to be more active than my character could be. I will agree that RP NPCs are better than head band NPCs for eating in the tavern. While reading I also remembered one of the fun things and that was when a big wave battle was over the PC's would yell "thank you NPCs"

One of the greatest things about being an NPC. It's free.

 

[Mendacity]

One of the greatest things about being an NPC. It's free.

True story.

NPCing is the best way to have all the fun of Alliance without the expense. No costume, no lodging, none (or minimal) food. The only thing you have to pay for is gas getting to and from the event. It's wonderful.

 

[James Trotta]

I've recommended before that every NPC be required / helped (especially new players) to make a roleplaying character for eating and drinking with the PCs (and roleplaying with them of course). They choose a PC race, maybe get 2nd or 3rd level stats (so they can sell teaching skills, the alchemy or scrolls they produced, the protectives they memorized, etc.) create or get assigned a character history, read the race packet if they're not human, and be given 30 minutes here or on hour there or whatever monster desk and the NPC like so they can go chill in the tavern.

This way the NPCs get to eat, drink, and be merry. They get more involved roleplaying parts which they invest something in as the part is recurring, the game gets more of a town atmosphere since some of the same locals show up every Sat night to get drunk, etc.

And the tavern stays in game - no more white headbands in there.

I'm a stickler about having an IG tavern! I know not everyone is...

At that forementioned national event, I was playing the tavernkeeper. At one point, one of the owners of another chapter who was NPCing came in with a headband on and asked for a drink. I completely ignored him. He then went and had a seat and started talking to the PCs, and I had to tell him to leave, which I didn't enjoy doing...

At the Faire Play site, we are so picky about it that if we see players come into the tavern with soda or water bottles, we'll bring them a cup and pour their drinks into them and then take the bottles. And we're talking real cups here, not paper cups. Of course, we also have the advantage of a permanent site...

But yeah, I think the whole point of the game is to have the proper atmosphere so you can immerse yourself in the game, and that includes making all IG areas as IG as possible at all times.

 

[Mike Ventrella]

I'm a stickler about having an IG tavern! I know not everyone is...

At that forementioned national event, I was playing the tavernkeeper. At one point, one of the owners of another chapter who was NPCing came in with a headband on and asked for a drink. I completely ignored him. He then went and had a seat and started talking to the PCs, and I had to tell him to leave, which I didn't enjoy doing...

Well wouldn't it have been better to tell him to return as an NPC or something. Ignoring doesn't seem like it would solve the OOG problem.

Well, I was hoping he'd get the hint. Once he didn't, yes, that is indeed what I told him.

 

[Mike Ventrella]

I've recommended before that every NPC be required / helped (especially new players) to make a roleplaying character for eating and drinking with the PCs (and roleplaying with them of course). They choose a PC race, maybe get 2nd or 3rd level stats (so they can sell teaching skills, the alchemy or scrolls they produced, the protectives they memorized, etc.) create or get assigned a character history, read the race packet if they're not human, and be given 30 minutes here or on hour there or whatever monster desk and the NPC like so they can go chill in the tavern.

I believe we have been doing that already in Ashbury...

 

[Jevedor]

I love both NPCing and PCing. I NPCed for 2 years before i got around to making my PC last year. My only issue with NPCing all the time (and this is probably because its all i did) was I felt like i was missing out on a large portion of the IG... game. I had an idea about what went on in various plot lines but my knowledge was like swiss cheese. I needed to connect the dots and thats why I started PCing. Also NPCing all the time.. especially if your like me and were chapter hoping 4 chaps began to burn me out pretty bad. I definately agree its nice to be able to sit back and relax IG for a while with out having to feel like your not giving your Plot team the 100% you could. And yes I know they encourage breaks and let us rest as needed but as a NPC i always just want to go go go, regardless.

I think after PCing for a while when I go back to NPCing I will have a much better appreciation for both sides of the game and be able to keep track of plot more consistently, thus improving my ability to hook, fishbowl, and in general RP instead of just being Combat intensive NPC, which is what I really want... to be master of the RP.

 

[Dreamingfurther]

The other advantage of what Jeremy did is that you get yourself a pretty decent amount of build for your PC once you start it if you longtime NPC for a while. (Even just a year or two.) Also if you donate stuff you can get yourself LCO magic items at least in a few different chapters from your NPC'ing time and come in with a character that doesn't have to work up the ladder from so far down so to speak.

 

[Tempest]

The other advantage of what Jeremy did is that you get yourself a pretty decent amount of build for your PC once you start it if you longtime NPC for a while. (Even just a year or two.) Also if you donate stuff you can get yourself LCO magic items at least in a few different chapters from your NPC'ing time and come in with a character that doesn't have to work up the ladder from so far down so to speak.

The big downside to this mentality, you miss out on your level 1 first weekend story. Everyone who PC's their first event ever has a story. If you NPC your first event, or your first 30 events, you miss out on the adrenaline rush of having low body, few friends, and no idea where your cabin is.

We started as a group, we were in the Navy in great shape, and sparred 3-4 times a week, and thought we were pretty good to go. The four of us stepped out of the car, on the way to log. We had our characters sketched out in our heads. The "orc" in the group could swing 3's. We were late, and game had started. Warlord Sagamore and the entire Capulous crew were chasing down greater undead, with Saggy swinging "Twenty two, sucks to be you, magic." We almost got back in the car at that point. (That was with a +1 weapon, a +6 vorpal coating, and a 'triple' endow.)

 

[James Trotta]

I was at two HQ events over the summer and I rarely saw NPCs in the tavern just hanging out. If every NPC has a roleplaying character did they create it themselves? Do they play the same one each event in order to develop relationships with the PCs? Do they write character histories and get guidance from the plot team on what rumors to spread / stories to tell / historical things to talk about / political views to argue?

I've recommended before that every NPC be required / helped (especially new players) to make a roleplaying character for eating and drinking with the PCs (and roleplaying with them of course). They choose a PC race, maybe get 2nd or 3rd level stats (so they can sell teaching skills, the alchemy or scrolls they produced, the protectives they memorized, etc.) create or get assigned a character history, read the race packet if they're not human, and be given 30 minutes here or on hour there or whatever monster desk and the NPC like so they can go chill in the tavern.

I believe we have been doing that already in Ashbury...

 

[Mike Ventrella]

I was at two HQ events over the summer and I rarely saw NPCs in the tavern just hanging out. If every NPC has a roleplaying character did they create it themselves? Do they play the same one each event in order to develop relationships with the PCs? Do they write character histories and get guidance from the plot team on what rumors to spread / stories to tell / historical things to talk about / political views to argue?

We can't spare them to just "hang out." There are always lots more important uses for them. I was referring to mealtimes.

 

[James Trotta]

The way I picture it, this time in the tavern hanging out would become one of the more important NPC duties. Players would be looking forward to Morp the Morbid who pays gold for the best stories about death and resurrection. Or the Kiergani from the ferret tribe who gives free protectives to any elf who will listen to him brag about how much he does to help the forest (and punish the Amani). Or Harry the fashion mogul who has a line of adventurers showing off modeling their clothes because whoever has the best looking clothes gets a prize. Or Jose the fitness guru who teaches people a new bodyweight exercise every Sat. morning in the tavern after breakfast.

Then there's Clay the Courageous who whispers jokes about the nobility and pays adventurers who make him laugh with their own jokes about the nobles. You could have Sara the elf who is star struck by anyone wearing Ash Forest colors and is always asking people (and paying) for more information about members of the court. Maybe Zera the lion Sarr who pays people to bring her food and drink and massage her shoulders and basically wait on her. There's Hye Min the dwarf who has a reward for the dwarf with the nicest beard in Fairedale.

If every NPC had a character like this I bet more people would NPC, it would be easier to reward more treasure to the roleplayers, PCs might prepare cool stories or costumes or things in advance, etc.

Sure a few plot things / wave battles might be more important but is there always something more important to do than roleplay in the tavern?

I was at two HQ events over the summer and I rarely saw NPCs in the tavern just hanging out. If every NPC has a roleplaying character did they create it themselves? Do they play the same one each event in order to develop relationships with the PCs? Do they write character histories and get guidance from the plot team on what rumors to spread / stories to tell / historical things to talk about / political views to argue?

We can't spare them to just "hang out." There are always lots more important uses for them. I was referring to mealtimes.