30
The only 12 NPCs you need (murkdice.substack.com)
top 4 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] mossberg590@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

NPCs shouldn't be fully fledged out characters. They are many to be encouragement for the party to improv/ roleplay. If they are hard coded with weakness or aspirations you can't adapt as the DM/GM. If this is a plot centered NPC such as a patron or BBEG, sure.

The most memorable NPCs either work as a foil for humor or cause a split in the parties loyalties/morality. Too do those things, you need to adapt to a moment.

[-] alphabethunter@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

This is a cool way to sketch out npcs, I like the examples given. But it could be expanded to be even more thorough, resulting in more complete npcs.

[-] sbv@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago

Agreed, I like the mechanic tho.

[-] jjjalljs@ttrpg.network 3 points 1 week ago

This seems a little more detailed than I usually go with.

I'm happy cribbing from Fate. Every NPC has a high concept (eg: royal assassin, gig worker delivery man) and Trouble (eg: drinking problem, haunted by well meaning but overbearing grandfather)

If they need more flesh, they can pick up more aspects or goals.

this post was submitted on 02 Jan 2026
30 points (100.0% liked)

rpg

4432 readers
38 users here now

This community is for meaningful discussions of tabletop/pen & paper RPGs

Rules (wip):

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS