NPCs: Stat Blocks or Backgrounds

[MojoGM]

Just to be clear, I'm not asking for 3 page backgrounds for NPCs, in most cases I don't need much in the way of background at all, except if it influences their personality/motivation.

What I was asking for was more description/personality with maybe some notes on how to effectively role-play the NPC. something to make them more alive than just stats on a page.

I just don't want to give the wrong impression...

 

[el-remmen]

I voted for stat blocks, but meant to vote for backgrds. Oops!

 

[MojoGM]

I voted for stat blocks, but meant to vote for backgrds. Oops!

Doh! In so close a vote, I demand a re-count!

 

[sjmiller]

I honestly don't know how to vote in this poll. NPCs, by my personal and more restrictive definition, need some background and some stats. I am just not sure if they really need one over the other. I think they need both in equal, but small, portions.

 

[Mark CMG]

I guess for those who have no trouble making either and feel they need both, based on the original thread, it all comes down to which is easier for you to make yourself. For those who have no doubt that they only need one or the other, it's a simple question.

 

[diaglo]

Another thread begs raises the question . . .

spellcraft check

i rolled a 3.

i want motivations not just backgrounds.

 

[Mark CMG]

i want motivations not just backgrounds.

For the purposes of this thread, "background" covers anything not part of the stat block, such as intentions, motivations, predilections, etc. though not, as is often included with a stat block, simple physical description, typical combat disposition, etc.

 

[MojoGM]

spellcraft check

i rolled a 3.

i want motivations not just backgrounds.

I knew Diaglo would understand

 

[Mark CMG]

I knew Diaglo would understand

He is so wise. And humble (don't capitalize his name).

Anyway, it's been cleared up for anyone who needed more detail, I think. Or is more explanation needed still?

 

[sjmiller]

I guess for those who have no trouble making either and feel they need both, based on the original thread, it all comes down to which is easier for you to make yourself. For those who have no doubt that they only need one or the other, it's a simple question.

It's not that I have no trouble making both of them (I sometimes struggle with the stat blocks), I just don't think that having one should neccessarily trump having the other. I think they are equally important.

Now, personnaly I think we need less detailed stat blocks and more detailed backgrounds than we are currently given, in general, but that is another poll entirely.