Non-Player Characters (NPCs)

NPC stands for Non-Player Character, which in essence is any character that does not belong to a player and doesn’t have a player account associated with it. NPC’s are common in Roshanri, and it is possible for players to have NPCs of their own. In Roshanri NPC’s play a secondary role to PC’s (Player Characters), and so there are limitations and restrictions on their use.

Types of NPCs

Background NPCs

These are NPC’s which fill unimportant background functions in the setting. They are more a part of the scenery than anything else, and thus do not often receive names or even fully descriptions. A background NPC might be the beggar in the street asking for spare chips, or the child who you nearly trip over as you rush through the market. Players are free to create and use any number of background NPC’s they need for their setting, with some limitations being that these NPC’s cannot be of any real importance to the scene or the overall story.

Temporary NPCs

Unlike background NPCs, temporary NPCs tend to be of some importance to the thread or to the story being told. Because of this they are usually given names, and assigned certain skill values though they do not need true write ups in and of themselves. Examples of Temporary NPC’s would be NPC thugs or bandits who assault a character in a thread. While they may be nameless, as they are important to the thread in some way they are assigned a certain baseline of skill. As a general rule any temporary NPC will have a skill at rank C or lower, though for more powerful temporary NPC’s one simply needs to make note of the strength of the NPC’s in the post they appear indicating either their Combat Score or their individual skill ranks (a spoiler at the beginning or end of the post works fine).

In most cases temporary NPCs do not require moderator approval to appear in a thread as it is expected that after the thread is done the NPCs will disappear having served their purpose. If there is ever an instance of confusion as to whether or not a Temporary NPC can do certain things, please PM your local moderator for help or approval.

Recurring NPCs

A Recurring NPC is any NPC that makes an appearance in multiple threads, usually to push a story or plot forward. More often than not recurring NPCs are created and used by Storytellers for connected moderated threads, quests or special events. That said players may also have recurring NPCs for their own personal plots, but unlike Temporary NPCs these do require a full write up and approval from their local moderator for use. The write ups do not need to be as extensive as a true character sheet, but should include a detailed appearance and personality section, as well as the NPCs skills and ranks and overall combat score.

This type of NPC is consider static, and once their skills are set they cannot be changed or altered like Personal NPCs can. It is expected that, eventually, the recurring NPC will fulfill its role in a story and either disappear like a temporary NPC, or be elevated to another NPC type such as a Moderated NPC or a Personal NPC, at which time they will fall under the rules of those NPC types instead.

Moderated NPC

A Moderated NPC is one which can only be used by a storyteller, or by a player given special permission by the moderator. Moderated NPCs tend to be more powerful, and hold greater authority than Temporary or Recurring NPCs, which ultimately is why they require permission for use by anyone other than storytellers for larger plots. Examples of moderated NPCs would be city officials, high ranking guild officers, and of course strong supernatural NPCs such as the Vardica or Spirits.

Personal NPCs

Personal NPCs are those NPCs created and maintained by players, and are important to the players history or their overall story. What truly separates Personal NPCs from all other types of NPCs is the fact that a player can level their NPCs using thread points similar to how they level their own characters. Because of this personal NPCs require full write ups, similar to characters, though the amount of detail does not need to be as great as in the PCs. This of course includes a history section filled out for the NPC, detailing how the NPC is related to the PC or how they relate to the story.

Creating a Personal NPC

There are two types of Personal NPCs a player may choose to create, static and growing NPCs. Their primary difference is in their utility, and that one type keeps its skills given to it at start while the other can be upgraded using thread points. There are different requirements for each type, and it is up to the player to decide which NPC type is right for them. Moderators reserve the right to approve or not approve any NPC at any time, and all NPCs must follow the rules of the site as well as the rules of the forums in which they are being used. Any Thread Points (TP) that is used in the creation and development of Personal NPCs are considered non refundable once they are used. Thus, should an NPC die those points are lost with them.

Static NPCs

A Static NPC is one whose skills are fixed after their creation. Often PC family members, old mentors, and childhood friends are made into static NPCs for use in flashbacks and in histories and for character development. Static NPC’s require a full write up just like all Personal NPCs, but they do not require moderator approval to be added to the PC’s Character Sheet.

Static NPC’s can have a maximum of 3 skills (not counting Racial Abilities which automatically start at rank E), none of which can be over Rank C in a primary skill and can only have 1 specialty skill no higher than Rank C. A specialty skill counts toward the 3 skill maximum requirement. Static NPC’s are considered self sufficient, and so do not require players to pay for any living expenses. To that end, static NPC’s also cannot donate toward a player's expenses either.

Growing NPCs

Players do actually require moderator approval for growing NPCs, which can be done through the Support Desk. This is simply because of their potential to influence stories and plots outside of the PCs own. Once approval has been gained, however, the NPC is fully within the players control and can be used as they see fit within their own threads. Moderators do reserve the right to step in and use the NPC for story or plot purposes in some instances, but the NPC belongs to the player.

When applying for approval a player must fully complete the NPC’s write up, including their appearance, personality and detailed history and how they related to the PC and their story. Growing NPCs begin with 50 Starting Points (SP) which can be allocated to any skills the player wishes, though no skill can be greater than Rank C and no specialty skills can be taken. As with PCs, all Racial Abilities begin at Rank E automatically, and the NPC is allowed 1 fluent language at creation.

NPC Growth

After the NPC has been created and approved the player may choose to use their earned Thread Points (TP) to increase the skills of their NPC further, or purchase additional languages or anything else they wish. In general there are no restrictions as to how the NPC may be developed after approval, however, the NPC is still secondary to the Player Character itself. If at any time the NPC begins to take a more active role in the players plots or stories than the actual PC made with the account, a Moderator may step in and restrict use of the NPC in threads. It is important to keep in mind that the NPC is there to enhance the player’s experience and further their plots, but not to be a second PC on their account.

Growing NPC Restrictions

As stated previously, the NPC’s role may not overshadow the role of the PC in threads. In addition to this the NPC may not earn quest items or rewards unless special permission is granted. Quest and moderated thread rewards are considered rewards for the player, and in turn their PC.

Similar to Static NPCs, Growing NPCs are considered self sufficient unless it is clear that the PC supports the NPC. During the initial approval process the moderators will decide if the NPC must be supported by the PC, or if they may be considered self sufficient enough to pay their own living expenses. Most commonly children NPCs are considered dependents, and thus fall under the player’s responsibility to cover their living expenses every season. If the NPC must have a noted profession of their own, one which reflects their current skill levels and supports the lifestyle they live same as with the PC (job approvals can be done OOC through PM with local moderators). While the NPC may be self sufficient, a player may not rely on them for monetary support and living expenses. Exceptions may be allowed, but require special permission at approval.

Due to the depth and complexity inherent in Growing NPCs, as well as their natural potential to story and plot momentum, players are only allowed one per account. Exceptions may apply, but as with other things would require special permission.