NPCs Question

lather · Unread post by **lather** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:48 pm

Pretty much what TheWarriorPoet said.

I roll 1D4 for bonuses, sometimes 1D4/2. Other times I just pick a number that sounds right.

mobuttu · Unread post by **mobuttu** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:57 pm

I tent to overdevelop NPC, but if I need a quick one I just go with average stats, attack bonus from +1 to +5 (depending on lvl) and if it has some psi-powers or magic I assign it a spell tactic with one to five known spells/powers.

Talavar · Unread post by **Talavar** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:07 pm

A couple of other stats you should have handy for even disposable NPCs - their save vs. magic, their save vs. Horror Factor and their save vs. psionics if they would have any bonuses in any of those areas.

I rarely roll their stats though, generally I just pick numbers, add the plusses from hand to hand for their level, and voila! Instant NPC. For a group without many differing features, like CS grunts, I'll often create one NPC on paper, with several different weapon packages listed as alternatives.

Mouser13 · Unread post by **Mouser13** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:14 pm

Well, that is what makes RIFTS. THough for similar NPC like the grunts I just make one standard then change the bonus for higher levels.

THough didn't the RIFTS Siege on Tolkeen give like a list of standard NPC for CS forces.

Northern Ranger · Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:03 pm

Frequently I just wing it if it's not an NPC that I anticipated my group having a lot of contact with. But knowing my group, I should always expect the unexpected. (Their constantly throwing wrenches into my plans.) So I've taken to fleshing out each and every NPC the same as I would a character. Many of them aren't near as powerful, nor do they have as rich of backgrounds. But with my group, it is literally possible for a fight to break out with any one, at any time. So I have to be prepared. It is a lot more work when I custom create each and every campaign I run, but it's paid off more times than I can count.