Non-Player Character (NPC)
Pronunciation: en-pee-see
Definition
Any character in the game world controlled by the GM rather than a player. NPCs can be allies, enemies, or neutral parties the players interact with.
Example
“The tavern keeper (NPC) slides you a mug of ale. 'Heard you're looking for work. There's been trouble at the old mill...' She's giving you a quest hook!”
Common Mistakes
- Treating all NPCs as either quest-givers or enemies (they have their own lives)
- Forgetting NPCs the party befriended in earlier sessions
- As GM: making NPCs that outshine the player characters