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ShortQuests -- individual adventure modules! An all-new collection of digest-sized D&D adventures designed to plug in to your game.

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Greatwyrm" data-source="post: 969580" data-attributes="member: 479">It depends on how much interacting the PCs actually do with the NPC.If all they want to do is stock up on arrows and rope, you probably don't need to give the shopkeeper a name.  If they go back to the same shop again and again, try to add a small detail or two (appearance, demeanor, habits, knowledge, etc.) each time they come in.  You don't learn everything about a person the first time you see them, why should the PCs?This also helps to keep you from doing a lot more work than you need to on the supporting cast.  If you go around statting every barkeeper and tax collector the group runs into, you'll soon have precious little time for anything else.Major NPCs, on the other hand, should have some background/personality developed ahead of time.  Ask yourself why are they doing the things they're doing, good or bad.  As you try to come up with rational answers for their behavior, you'll likely come up with more story hooks as well.Keep in mind, though, how your party will deal with the NPC.  If he's some kind of evil badguy, he's likely to get mowed down before his personality gets a chance to shine through.  If he's someone they can't/won't kill right away, put more effort into the actual character part.  PCs love to hate NPCs they can't just beat the tar out of.  Look for atypical sources of power (political, noble, or religious connections, etc.) for adversaries that can't just be dealt with at the end of an axe.And like JoeGKushner said, get a copy of the GM Essentials NPC book.  Plenty of good stuff in there.</blockquote>

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