NPC Types
Non Player Characters (NPCs) are all characters that are not Player Characters (PCs) with approved character objects.
Although they are not PCs, NPCs are, in fact, characters. They are real and tangible parts of the world, with history, personality, ambitions, loves and hates like any other character. Players should aim to treat these characters as any other. They should never assume that an NPC will not react to something they do.
LAmush identifies 3 different types of NPCs:
- Backdrop NPCs
- Plot NPCs
- Feature NPCs
Backdrop NPCs
Backdrop NPCs make the grey mortal masses that populate LA, supplemented by the faceless neonates that tend to populate LA's Elysia. Backdrop NPCs typically are not represented by character-objects, with the exception of (un)statted Retainers.
As long as basic logic and objectivity is applied, players are free to determine Backdrop NPC actions and reactions in their direct environment. Players also are empowered to describe the actions and reactions of the NPCss mentioned in the backgrounds they invested in, within the set parameters of their +sheet and +jnotes.
Specific actions and reactions of supernatural Backdrop NPCs that fall outside the scope of any Player Character, should be determined by Staff. Players may consult via +feedback.
Next to unstatted NPCs, Architects and Storytellers create characters for the purpose of forwarding plot, setting and Theme. These NPCs come in two types:
Plot NPCs
Plot NPCs are Non Player Characters created for a specific plot under the auspices of Architects or Storytellers.
Plot NPCs can be played by Architects, Storytellers and Players alike, but will be under the control of the person storytelling the plot that the Plot NPC features on. The main purpose of the Plot NPC is to support approved plot and initiate enjoyable RP.
Feature NPCs
Feature NPCs make the NPC-cast of the setting and are generally created and played by the Architects. Due to Staff's desire to leave most of LA's political arena to the PCs, the number of Feature NPCs is kept low and preferably in the background. Those that do exist serve the following purposes:
Feature NPC Purposes
- Theme Enforcement by example, presence, action and behavior
- Continuity - PCs tend to come and go, but the continued presence of Feature NPCs warrants continuity of the setting and its story
- Directing (Feature) PCs - Feature NPC Elders are the puppet-masters in the shadows; the thematic 'bigger wolfs' that pull the strings of the PCs in power
- Mentoring PC's - Feature NPC Elders offer PCs direction via teachings, rewards and punishments
- Initiating conflict and plot - Due to their positions, Feature NPC Elders are able to stir plot and conflict
- OOC Trouble Shooting: Feature NPCs may be used for the purpose of resolving an IC situation that is un-enjoyable on an OOC level.
List of NPCs
Below the current Feature NPCs for this MUSH are listed:
| Faction | Supporting NPC |
| Brujah | Julian Fletcher |
| Gangrel | Rachael, Raphael Torres |
| Malkavian | Emerson |
| Nosferatu | Emory Masterson |
| Toreador | Gillian Ventriss |
| Tremere | Christopher Kyle, Imre |
| Ventrue | Elaine Pruit, Gennaro di Medici |
| Anarchs | Alvin Forrester |
| Inconnu | Damien Rycroft |
NPC Policies
Non Player Characters are managed differently than Player Characters. The following pages detail the various policies and guidelines related to NPCs.
1- NPC Purposes and Restrictions
A NPC exists to serve a specific game-purpose. NPCs are tied to these specific interests and should not seek involvement with things that are unrelated to their purpose.
The specific NPC's purpose is listed in its Feature +jnote that lists the NPC's (1) OOC purpose (2) IC goals (3) political outlook (allies/enemies) (4) restrictions and (5) lifespan. A Plot NPC's lifespan generally covers the duration of the plot.
2- Property, Application, Creation and Management
Because a NPC's existence serves a game-related purpose, they are not the property of a singular individual that creates or plays them. Application, creation and management of a NPC rest with those that guard the purpose the NPC fulfils.
Hence, a Plot NPC is requested, created and managed by the Staffer that runs the plot.
A Feature NPC is requested, created and managed by the Architect(s) that are responsible for the area(s) it supports.
All NPCs are created and approved via CharGen as normal. Approval of extra-ordinary NPCs such as Elders, non-Camarilla Clans or NPCs with special powers, require the approval of the Architect Core Team.
3- Assigning Actors
The Staffer that manages the NPC can but does not need to play it. The Staffer has the option to hire an Actor to play the NPC.
Feature NPCs will generally be played by Staff, be they Architects or Storytellers.
Plot NPC Actors are nominated by the Staffer that runs the plot. Any Actor assignment must be approved by the Architect(s) that support the plot.
In case an Actor's continued inactivity or unavailability considerably affects the NPC's purpose, the responsible Staffer is empowered to (temporarily or permanently) re-assign the NPC to a different Actor.
4- Playing NPC's
NPC Actors are expected to adhere to following guidelines:
a) DIRECTIONS - An Actor should abide by all directions and NPC purposes as specified in the NPC's background, Feature +jnote or other communications.
In addition all NPC Actors are obligated to consult with the Architects, before they engage in actions that result in significant consequences not explicitly mentioned in their Feature +jnote (such as character death, bloodbonding, embracing, handing out a life boon, allying up with an enemy, falling in love etc.)
b) ALT RESTRICTIONS - In order to prevent basic conflicts of interests with their PC, all Actors are required to adhere to the Multiple Character policies.
In addition, Architect Actors that play the Feature NPC's of the area they support themselves, should consult with the Architect Core Team on big decisions.
c) ETIQUETTE - Since the behavior of a NPC reflects on Staff, NPC-Actors are expected to be polite and cooperative.
d) PLAYER FOCUS - When playing a NPC, Actors should keep in mind that the main characters of LA are the PCs. Subsequently NPC actors should aim to facilitate RP, to initiate and support story. The main part, the decisions, the actions, the 'shining' etc. should be left to the players.
Going from the above, Actors should keep in mind that no NPC should be invincible. All NPCs can be defeated by players, provided the players do what it takes. However, NPCs should not be defeated, simply because they are NPCs.
Similarly NPCs should not hold back on repercussions, simply because they are NPCs. Story between the PC and NPC should be build with the fun of the players in mind, but it also needs to adhere to Theme.
5- Keeping Track
In order to warrant optimized NPC coordination and consistency, even between changing Actors, all NPC Actors are expected to log their NPC-scenes and IC-communications and send or upload them to Staff. When a log is lost, a short summary can be provided.
Like any player NPCs are encouraged to write journal entries in which they share their IC impressions and plans.
The Staffer that manages the NPC reads these logs and offers the Actor constructive feedback as appropriate.
6- Trouble Management
In case an Actor is accused of abusing their NPC-bit, such accusations will be investigated by Staff. In case the Actor is found guilty, sanctions will follow.
