RPGnet Columns
03-26-2004, 04:06 PM
Post originally by DannyK at 2004-03-26 15:06:30
Converted from Phorums BB System
Great article. Here's one approach I find very useful:
Besides making NPC's their own people, give them their own agendas. The next time the PC's look up their parapsychologist buddy, he's glad to see them because *he's* in a jam, and needs their help.
The psychic detective has been kicked off a case, and needs someone to help him work it without getting in trouble.
The Vampire elder that the PC's have been feeding information to now trusts them so much that he's going to let them in on a little secret: in 90 days, he's going to be Prince. And here's how they can help him. (Needless to say, his feelings will be hurt if they don't throw in with him.)
If done well, this technique provides an endless supply of plot hooks and also helps avoid the Diablo effect.* Just don't overdo it, or you'll train your players to avoid all entanglements with NPC's.
DannyK
* Diablo effect=the NPC who spends all his time sitting on a rock outside the dungeon entrance, waiting for the PC's to show up so he can tell them there are monsters inside. Sometimes this NPC then dies for dramatic effect.
Converted from Phorums BB System
Great article. Here's one approach I find very useful:
Besides making NPC's their own people, give them their own agendas. The next time the PC's look up their parapsychologist buddy, he's glad to see them because *he's* in a jam, and needs their help.
The psychic detective has been kicked off a case, and needs someone to help him work it without getting in trouble.
The Vampire elder that the PC's have been feeding information to now trusts them so much that he's going to let them in on a little secret: in 90 days, he's going to be Prince. And here's how they can help him. (Needless to say, his feelings will be hurt if they don't throw in with him.)
If done well, this technique provides an endless supply of plot hooks and also helps avoid the Diablo effect.* Just don't overdo it, or you'll train your players to avoid all entanglements with NPC's.
DannyK
* Diablo effect=the NPC who spends all his time sitting on a rock outside the dungeon entrance, waiting for the PC's to show up so he can tell them there are monsters inside. Sometimes this NPC then dies for dramatic effect.