NPCs based on real people (or how Diaglo got in my game!)

[Crothian]

In my Changeling game I needed a nice and friendly personality for a geeky college student the players meet. So, I was stuggling to come up with something with a little depth and then it hit me: Diaglo!! So, now Diaglo is basically an NPC in my game. After I figured that out of course he's a D&D gamer. That lead to my players wanting their Changeling characters to play D&D. Worlds in worlds and all that.

So, have you ever used a real life person as an NPC in your game? Either had it obvious like Burt Reynolds actually being Burt Reynolds or a little more subtle with a changed name and age or what ever.

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

That lead to my players wanting their Changeling characters to play D&D. Worlds in worlds and all that.

You should definitely use that to run an OD&D game inside your Changeling campaign.

So, have you ever used a real life person as an NPC in your game? Either had it obvious like Burt Reynolds actually being Burt Reynolds or a little more subtle with a changed name and age or what ever.

Yeah, I use figures from history (political figures, generals, stuff like that). I don't think I've ever used somone I knew, personally -- at least not as a complete character. I've borrowed lots of traits from here and there, though.

 

[kenobi65]

All. The. Time.

Almost all of my PCs, and many of my major NPCs, are at least physically based on real people (sometimes actors or singers, sometimes people I actually know). Sometimes I'll borrow personalities, as well.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I have based NPC's on actors and occasionally based on someone I know.
I always change the names though.

 

[GwydapLlew]

It all makes sense now...

 

[gamecat]

I'm guilty of doing this constantly.

 

[Harker Wade]

I had a GM who used is ex-girlfriend as a villian named Asil. His ex-'s name was Lisa and we never picked up on it until it was too late...

 

[BOZ]

i co-wrote an article which may appear in Dragon that has Diaglo's name in it - and Crothian's as well. can't say how, or that will ruin the surprise...

 

[Crothian]

i co-wrote an article which may appear in Dragon that has Diaglo's name in it - and Crothian's as well. can't say how, or that will ruin the surprise...

If it does, you'll have to tell me. I don't get Dragon

 

[BOZ]

will do!