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Background:
Non Player Characters (NPCs) play an
important part in your game. Some NPCs
are created strictly for one game to create
havoc for your players. Others are created
for your players to get attached to, then they
are killed off to get your players going in
the right direction. Once that campaign is
over, the NPCs are either dead or forgotten.
Alternatively, there is the NPC that you
create and enjoy using for more than one
campaign, because you have put a great deal
of time and energy to develop it.
These types of NPCs can be harmful
or helpful. They may have the key the player
characters need to unlock the door they are
trying to get through. The NPCs may also
have information to send the characters in
the right or wrong direction, depending on
their motivation. They could also be the
"savior" your players need when they have
stepped in over their heads and you just don't
have the heart to kill them off yet.
One of my personal favorites is a
"Witch Woman", like the one played by Ester
Williams in the movie "Mighty Quinn"
(at least I think it was Ester Williams).
The house she lives in will be a hovel
surrounded by lush vegetation. The grounds
will have a lot of animals, although most are
only stray cats and dogs.
Whenever the characters encounter her,
she will always be sitting on her porch in a
rocking chair. This will happen regardless
of the time the characters arrive. It doesnít
matter how often they go visit her, she will
always be on the porch.
Remember she is a "Witch Woman" and
is all-knowing and all-seeing. She knows of
the evil invading the land and is willing to
help the fight against it. She may have advice
or an item the player characters need.
However she will also gladly send the PCs
on a wild goose chase or send them to their
death. The "Witch Woman" can also be
used as an empathic contact.
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