The procedures and tables I've developed for NPC generation proved fruitful during today's Planet Algol session and it seems like they're in line with my goals for creating quick, memorable, motivated NPCs.
The process involves using die rolls to generate both the "RPG rules" details of the character, such as class, level, alignment, magic items, etc; and also characteristics that can be used by the referee as improvisational cues for roleplaying, motivations, plot hooks and the like. As previously mentioned, this process is scalable. A couple of rolls for cheap thugs and thorough complex generation if the referee desires.
One thing that become apparent is that I should make different sets of tables for the three main "sword & sorcery" archetypes: fighter, sorcerer and thief.
In attempting to systematize creating at least the simulacrum of memorable, "living" personalities, my latest categorization of such elements breaks down as follows:
Appearance: "Wears heavy dinosaur hide bracers," "Has a broken nose," "Never wears a shirt"
External Personality: "Laughs at everything like Dr. Hibbert," "Wants to be everyone's friend," "Doesn't like small talk"
Internal Personality: "Insanely jealous and will hold murderous grudges over perceived slights," "Will never betray an ally," "Falls in love way to easily"
Agenda/Motivation: "Wants to explore other worlds," "Very greedy," "Hates slavers"
Complications: "An evil scientist has implanted a mind control device in brain," Member of Great Old One cult," "On a secret mission for a Lawful Baron"
Possessions: "A prism which reveals all illusions," "Unbreakable dull gray knife," "Beige cowled desert robes"
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wonderful ideas. I can't wait for your published book!
ReplyDeleteBTW--- I will be adding an NPC to my next game session using the above description in toto. : )
When it comes to home inspections South Western Illinois, Hawley Home Inspections secures the top position because of the exceptional customer service it provides and the certified professional home inspectors that are a part of this team. The fact that both of these constituents are unavoidable while considering to book an appointment for a home inspection for your house or the property you are about to buy. There are many factors that force us to get a home inspection done but if you are living on a property and it has been more than a year that you got your house inspected, this is the right time. If the situation is worse and you have never gotten a home inspection done before, it is never too late to start now. You can just start by giving Hawley Inspections a call and leave the rest to us. We promise to send you the most home inspector Illinois MO has to offer and we claim 200% customer satisfaction as well, so what are you waiting for?
ReplyDelete