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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Will Doyle" data-source="post: 6233270" data-attributes="member: 6682161">Note: contains SPOILERS for I6: Ravenloft!I'm thinking high concept and motivation/goal are the most important NPC descriptors, even for those bit-part shopkeepers. Morrus's single-line examples essentially break down into "[name] is a [personality/role] who [motivation]", and I think that's great for most NPCs. In short, it describes what their role is in the story.This said, background can sometimes be pretty important (i.e. how they came to be in the story), and if they're to play a long-term role, ideals and flaws seem like good descriptors too (i.e. how they'll react to changes in the story). That's probably all I need for 99% of my NPCs.How they look and how they act certainly feel distinct from these story elements. Most times a GM just goes with what works best for them. Even so, for the most important NPCs of all, I feel a good module should offer some simple guidance on these points.In short, I think a good NPC description depends on how important the NPC is to the story, and should expand accordingly. For example:Simple named NPCs use a single sentence: [Name] is a [high concept] who [motivation/goal]."Arik is a dour barkeeper who has lost the will to fight against Strahd's evil." Characters with an important story role to play use two sentences: [Name] is [high concept]. He/she has [short-term goal], in order to [long-term goal]".  "Ismark is the steadfast son of the late Burgomaster, and the brother of Ireena Kolyana. Ismark is determined to reveal Strahd's evil to his latest guests, in the hope they can save Ireena's life and avenge his father's death."Important characters with a dynamic role have additional background and personality traits:  [Name] is [high concept]. He/she has [background]. He/she has [ideal] but is hampered by [flaw]. He/she is [short-term goal], in order to [long-term goal]. "Ireena Kolyana is the unwitting reincarnated form of Tatyana, Count Strahd's ancient love. Ireena was found by her adopted father in the woods beneath Strahd's castle, lost and with no memory of her past. She loves her adopted family, but is terrified of what her past may reveal. With Strahd closing in, Ireena offers to join the adventurers, hoping they will help unravel the mysteries of her past and free her from the Count's evil."      The most important characters of all include details on behaviour and appearance:   [Name]</blockquote>

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