Playing a Non-Player Character at Shadow Accord
What is a Non-Player Character?
Non-Player Characters (NPCs) play an intricate role in enhancing the game experience of Shadow Accord. They provide plot, tension, and establish the culture of medieval England as well as the World of Darkness setting.
The majority of NPCs are experienced players taking a break from their personal character and helping the Storytellers. This can be a rewarding experience, both by granting the player additional experience points (xp), and role-play that they would not otherwise have access to with their character. By following the instructions below, you too can participate as an NPC.
How to NPC
Can I NPC?
First, play at least two games as a PC. This gives you a feel for the rules and, more importantly, the atmosphere of the game as experienced by our players.
Once you've done that, you can come into ST camp at any time and ask if ST has something available. This is called a "walk-in NPCs". Keep in mind that ST might not have a role at a given time. If you have an idea for something specific you want to play, ST might listen to it, but it's more likely than not that they will say no - ST has a lot of plots going on already. You should definitely mention preferences, like "I'm not good at combat" or "I don't know much about Wraith".
You can also let ST know ahead of time that you're interested in NPCing. You can tell the STs in person, but it is preferable that you email ST your information - specifically, what faction(s) you are familiar with, and what times you are available. The more detail the better. ST will let you know if they have specific NPCs they would like you to play.
You can sign up to be a full-time NPC. You need to do this between games. Fill out the registration form as full-time NPC, and send ST an email requesting a full-time NPC slot. Slots are limited, so not all applications will be accepted.
What do I do?
You will be given instructions on what kind of costuming, makeup, etc. to wear, and what props you need. ST will give you any tags, coin, or other in-game items that your NPC should have.
Listen carefully to the description of the NPC role. You need to fully understand the IG knowledge that your NPC has, the OOG purpose your NPC serves in the larger story, and the rules that apply. If you don't understand something, or if ST glosses over it, please speak up and ask.
When you are playing your NPC, always keep that information in mind. Always follow the rules, and try to fulfill your NPC's purpose - this is your main priority. Unexpected things can happen - maybe you are out playing a farmer and you suddenly get blood-oathed to a vampire, for example. React appropriately to IG situations. Try to keep the scene realistic and enjoyable. Remember that your NPC's role is part of a larger story, and that the story is ultimately about the PCs, not about the NPCs. Avoid making significant decisions or irreversible actions that are outside of your described role. If things go seriously weird and you have a plausible IG reason to leave, check back with ST camp.
I finished my task. What now?
Head back to ST camp. Give an IG reason for leaving if necessary. It's easy to get drawn into long PC conversations that can spiral away from your primary goal. Try to keep time in mind and find ways to extract yourself if necessary.
Once back at ST camp, make sure the costuming, props, tags, etc. get back to where they belong. Give a rundown of what happened to an ST. You may have to wait a bit if it's busy. This is a good time to get some water, especially if you were fighting - we want our NPCs to stay healthy.
You can write up your NPC report now. ST Camp has a laptop available where you can enter your NPC report while it's fresh in your mind. Take a look at the NPC Report section if you want to know more about how to write a good report. Remember to list any major player interactions, and any promises or deals you made.
What do I do between games?
If you didn't enter an NPC report at ST camp, you need to send one after event. Remember, you don't get XP without an NPC report, and a late report might not get XP. It is recommended sending it the week after game. Don't put it off until the week before the next game - you probably won't get your XP.
Some NPCs establish longer-term interactions and might have a reason to talk to PCs between games. This might happen on the forum, on email, in PMs, etc. Always clear those interactions with STs before you do them! ST need to approve the communication, and you may get further instructions at that time. If the interaction is not on the public forums, always make sure ST is CCed on the messages or gets a copy afterward.
That was fun! I want to tell everyone!
Great! We're happy for you to talk about how much fun you had. But remember that any IG information that your NPC got is only available to that NPC. You can't use that info as any of your other PCs, and you shouldn't talk about it out-of-game except with STs - respect other players' secrets. Err on the side of caution - what might be a minor detail to you might be an important secret for someone else. The same goes for any information you hear OOG while at ST camp. We often talk about our ongoing plots, and ST needs to trust our NPCs to keep those things secret.
NPC Code of Conduct
The following are the essential guidelines and expectations of all NPCs at Shadow Accord.
- Follow instructions from the Storytellers.
- Keep the Storytellers informed.
- Research and understand your NPC.
- Respect the provided garb, weapons, masks, and props of ST Camp.
- Be discrete and confidential about NPC and Plot information.
- Be honest and forthcoming.
- Be respectful.
- Play for the Narrative.
- Use good judgement.
NPC Reports
ST uses NPC Reports to keep records of what happened during an event. They are needed in order to keep the Narrative going and to make sure that we can use NPCs again.
What do I get for providing a report?
When you NPC for ST and provide a report, you receive 1 XP per NPC played - up to a maximum of 3 XP per event.
What sort of report does ST need?
ST needs to know:
- Your real name. (Example: John Doe or John D.)
- What game the NPC went out (Example: June 2013).
- The name of the NPC you played and/or the type of NPC (Example: Richard - Veiled Mortal farmer).
- What happened when you went out.
- Any deals or points of interest we should know about.
The complexity of the report depends largely on what happened. More detail is better.
When does ST need it?
ST begins planning for the next event immediately after the last. The sooner you can provide us the report, the better. If you can, use the ST Laptop and provide your report immediately after you come back to ST Camp. At the latest ST need your report a month before the next game. If ST does not receive it before then there is no guarantee you will receive the XP for that NPC.
Where do I send it?
You can send you report:
- By email: sa.storytellers@nwlarpers.org
- By Private Message on the forums: PM Storytellers
- Or by writing up a text document on the ST Laptop and placing it in the correct folder (Example: "NPC Reports June 2013") on the Desktop.
