Non-player characters, or NPCs, are the very backbone of the game. While a great deal of the game's intrigue revolves around the player characters, the action would not be complete without supporting characters. Non-player characters can come in almost every variety – from mindless undead lead by a wizard to Kings of the Realm. Playing an NPC is a great opportunity for players to learn the game without risking their character’s lives. Non-player characters also receive experience points as a reward for their participation. The more a player NPCs, the more experience that player will gain. These experience points can be applied to the player's regular player character.
Playing an NPC is a great way for players to demonstrate their role-playing talent and creativity without many of the restrictions imposed upon player characters. The ultimate goal of any NPC is to increase the enjoyment of a game in which they are participating. A non-player character part does not need to be big for it to have a huge impact on the game and at times, the smallest parts are the most memorable. Players who put a lot of effort into their non-player character roles will find that Game Masters will come to them when they have special parts to be played. Players who desire to play complex non-player character roles and provide costumes for it should tell the Game Master before the game. Game Masters will use resources like this to their advantage. Playing a Non-player character is a matter of experience and practice. Below are a few hints that might help novice non-player characters increase their performance.
Be patient: Playing the part of a non-player character can often mean long waits, as player characters are notorious for being late. Don't become impatient waiting for the player characters. Avoid reminding the Game Master that the players should hurry, the Game Master already knows, and will only become frustrated with an unruly NPC. If other obligations may require you to hurry, you should volunteer for a quicker role or not play the part.
Be helpful: The second job of a non-player character is to help the Game Master. If the Game Master needs help please offer it. NPCs often help setting up props or dressing complex monsters, running for forgotten bits and pieces, and cleaning up when the game is over. Teamwork will make the game run smoother for everyone.
Bring supplies: Bring essential supplies to the game site. Drinking water and snacks are good choices. Also bring sunscreen; bug spray, medication, cameras, film, and other supplies. Constant trips back to bunks or cars will only slow the game down. A non-player character should always bring at least one pouch to place non-player character treasure or props in.
Stick to the plan: Never deviate from the Game Master’s plan for the game. Improvise only if the Game Master gave instructions to. If the part requires attacking the players, do so. When a non-player character begins to improvise too much, the game can go haywire really fast. For example, an encounter may require that a bunch of goblins get killed and a treasure map be found on their bodies. If the goblins decide to talk to the players instead, the fight may never happen and the game may be ruined.
Play the parts given: Never add to the part given by the Game Master. Do not add body points to a monster or give it new spells. If the role calls for the monsters to be slow, be slow. If it is not a speaking role, do not speak. Nothing is more anticlimactic than a bunch of zombies running at full speed chanting battle hymns.
Remove all player character gear: It is important to leave all player character gear behind when playing a non-player character. Objects like gold or gems can get lost or looted by players who mistake it for non-player character treasure. Any player character objects that are lost while playing a non-player character will not be returned.
Change costume: Whenever possible, non-player characters should try to change or cover their normal player character costume. This will add to the atmosphere of the game a great deal. Making unique costumes for non-player character roles is a great way to gain additional experience points and will make the Game Master's job easier. A simple tunic of burlap or a change of hats is all it takes to break up a normal player character costume. Avoid wearing the same armor as a normal player character. Do not expect the Game Master to grant a non-player character armor points just because the player is wearing armor.
Change weapons: It is a good rule of thumb to change weapons when fighting as a non-player character. Try to pick weapons that fit the role – a tattered club for an Orc, a long staff for a wizard. This is also a great way for players to practice with new fighting styles.
Wear the costume given: If the part requires that a costume be worn, it should be worn. Masks should be worn at all times, fake noses worn on the nose, makeup in the right spots. Nothing ruins the mood of a game faster than a bunch of goblins wearing noses on their foreheads. If wearing special costumes is difficult because of the heat or medical problems, ask for another role.
Be realistic: Play an NPC like it was a normal character. Very few monsters fight to the death without reason. Players will grow tired of a steady stream of suicidal goblins. An NPC should be as three-dimensional as the part will allow.
Set up the scene: An NPC encounter can be made into so much more if the scene matches the encounter. Here are two examples. Example one, a bunch of goblins are playing tunnel guards. They must attack the players when they come through. They line up by the door they are guarding and wait for the players. This will make for a good fight, but the atmosphere is horrible. Example two, the same bunch of goblins is acting as tunnel guards. This time they pretend to be in the middle of a heated card game. When the players approach, the game turns ugly and a fight starts. Same result, but example two adds so much more to the game.
