Comments on: NPC Stats: Full, Partial or Loose?

By: Martin

Martin — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 03:47:14 +0000

Based on your comments so far, the mixed approach — mostly statting as needed — is incredibly common. With that in mind, I wish more games would explicitly support this by dividing NPCs into loose categories, as several folks mentioned.

I’d rather have inbuilt options that let me avoid taking kludgy shortcuts, and it sounds like I’m not alone in that regard.

By: drow

drow — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:23:16 +0000

most NPCs are loosely stated; given a random name, race, class, and perhaps level. if the party ends up in a fight with them, then i’ll estimate combat stats based on class and level, with one or two interesting abilities/feats/items. important NPCs get added to the campaign encyclopaedia for future reference. if i know well ahead of time that the party’s going to end up in a fight with them, i’ll prepare partial stats. no NPC gets full stats unless they’re significant and recurring. and, usually, friendly. unfriendly NPCs tend to get killed, not detailed.

By: Cineris

Cineris — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:59:42 +0000

Pretty much partial / loose. I lean towards overpreparation in my games but unless the character is truly a major player, doing a full stat-out is too time consuming. Most NPCs have a few notable characteristics which will be prepared ahead of time, the remainder's pretty much ad hoc. If the NPCs don't have anything notable, stat-wise, for me to base them around, or are generic mooks, I will grab something from the NPC wiki. Customize where desired and it's done.

By: Crazy Jerome

Crazy Jerome — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:06:03 +0000

I use all three categories, sometimes even in the same encounter. I do this regardless of game system, though I agree with Frank that it is nice when the system supports such categories. (I prefer the support to be inherent, not separate rules for “mooks” or the like.)

With NPCs, I stat what I need, no more no less.

By: Frost

Frost — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:08:32 +0000

I have about 50 “nameless” NPCs fully stated out on initiative cards. I also stat two different “weapon packages” for each NPC. These are sorted by class and level and then given a code number.

I keep a running list of NPCs that includes names, mannerisms, locations, etc., but also associate them with one of the coded cards. If the PCs decide to get into a scuffle with the NPC, I’ll pull the corresponding card. Although the stats on the cards are recycled regularly, the NPCs still have their own personalities.

Every once in a while I’ll will stat out a new NPC taken from an old character sheet or “borrowed” from Dungeon magazine or other d20 source.

By: of Dice and Dragons » NPC Stats - How much detail is enough?

of Dice and Dragons » NPC Stats - How much detail is enough? — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:33:43 +0000

[...] Over at Treasure Tables Martin Ralya asked the question, NPC Stats: Full, Partial or Loose? which I have to say is an excellent question. [...]

By: John Gallagher

John Gallagher — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:14:29 +0000

This is one of many reasons I love the 7th Sea original rules. NPC’s are divided into three categories, Villains, who are completely statted out (usually only one or two for each story), Henchmen, who’s stats are streamlined to the point of taking minutes to create, and Brutes, whose stats boil down to 3 numbers (a threat rating, a damage rating, and how many of them there are). When I’m building most NPC’s these days, especially the ones I expect to have major roles, I concentrate more on personality traits, quirks, descriptions, etc. Brutes get painted with a very broad stroke (from nation X where people are very rude and hot headed). Henchmen and villains get much more detailed descriptions. And it’s surprising how many of the henchmen quickly graduate to villain status when the PC’s interact well with them.

By: Mr. Will

Mr. Will — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:40:37 +0000

It all depends upon the system, I think partial is best but more or less partial depending on how crunchy the mechanics are. If the system is a very simple one, why not go full bore on description? Conversely if the system is complex partial will keep the narrative flowing. I am a librarian so loose is not an option for me!

By: Walt C

Walt C — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:14:05 +0000

Just to be clear, I was referring to the latest (and soon to be outdated) d20 Star Wars. It has a surprisingly extensive number of low, mid, and high level generic NPCs in the corebook (and is expanded upon in other books).

Walt

By: Sarlax

Sarlax — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:36:30 +0000

If there’s ever a time that an NPC will need to pull off some tricks, I like complete stats. Fortunately, every game I’ve run (and most that I own) includes enough sample stats to keep me happy.

For the vast majority of NPCs, I can tap into generics or modified specific characters. Although I like character building for either side of the table, it can be time-consuming. Unless the NPC’s role demands unique abilities, I can rely on something that has been already written.

By: John Arcadian

John Arcadian — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:51:17 +0000

I’ve actually just been writing up some stuff about this. Usually when I’m GMing I’ll do it loose, or write out partial. Only for the BBEG, or someone who will be fully recurring or attached to the party do I do full stats.

For a while now I’ve had Enemy levels that are “types” of enemies, and corresponding to challenge levels. They work for on the fly enemies. I’m working on a similiar thing for NPC’s that are non combat. Pretty much what Walt C mentioned from the old west end star wars. It’s always easy to level them up from there to be something more lasting.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:29:41 +0000

If the NPC is going to traveling with the PCs, they get the full-stat treatment. If they’re only going to be met, they’ll start with partial stats, and, if they become a recurring character, I’ll fill them out completely.

But I’m a by-the-seat-of-my-pants GM. If I’m kinda thinking the PCs are going up against hobgoblins, I’ll gin up some generic, partial hobgoblin stats. I also have archives of other stats I’ve made to draw from, as well as a set of generic this-will-challenge-the-PCs partial stats that can be slapped into any NPC and modified to taste.

- Brian