NPCs - Making sure the role is played properly

NPCs - Making sure the role is played properly

When a Monster Marshal or Storyteller creates an encounter, they often work very hard to balance the NPCs they create with the PCs expected or known to be on the encounter, or to portray a specific difficulty for that encounter (be it easy or hard).  The stats on the cards the NPCs are given reflect this, and are there for a reason.

Recently, several encounters have gone off that have been grossly unbalanced.  In reviewing complaints about these encounters, the Marshals and Sotrytellers involved have all indicated that what they sent out did not match what was met on the field by the PCs - meaning, some NPCs took it upon themselves to change their own stats, or to cheat and ignore what was on the card.

We encourage everyone to remember that playing an NPC is an important part of the game, as its primary function is to challenge and entertain the PCs, and ensure everyone has fun.  When someone playing an NPC cheats, not only are they breaking the rules, they are also robbing the players of the game of their fun as well.  Additionally, they are ruining the hard work that the Marshals and STs put into the encounter in an attempt to entertain the players of Knight Realms.

If you are NPCing, and feel there is something wrong with your stats, please do not decide to alter them yourself, or because another NPC did.  Please DO ask your Monster Marshal or Storyteller for further clarification or guidance.  If your NPCs fall too quickly or easily, the Marshal in charge is trained to adjust your abilities, recycles, or the encounter as needed.  Also, the encounter may have a specific purpose in mind, and your current stats may reflect this.

If you suspect a PC is cheating, do NOT cheat "right back at them."  Instead, immediatley contact a Marshal (Monster, Rules, or Storyteller) and that Marshal will conduct a card audit, or otherwise handle the situation.  Two wrongs do not make a right.
If you have any questions, please ask the Monster Marshal or Storyteller leading your encounter before it begins, and please remember that your conduct has a direct impact on how everyone else enjoys the game.  NPCing is not about winning or killing PCs - it is about memorable encounters and challenges, which are done through good Role-Play and dramatic action, not who can beat whom in a skill-calling contest.

In addition to what James has mentioned above, some recent issues have been brought to the attention of the staff.

Comedic roles are sometimes ok. It breaks up tension and gives us something funny to respond to in the midst of the dark place that Travance is supposed to be.
That’s right…Travance is a frontier land on the edge of a large, evil attracting beacon. A fact that perhaps some of the newer players aren’t aware of and some of the older players may have forgotten.

We’re not saying you can’t make jokes and enjoy yourselves, but comedic poltergeists, potty training wolf puppies, trolls sharing fires with pcs, goblins roaming the land looking for ‘shinnies’ and riding spiders are not supposed to be part of Travance. And that was just from this past event. Be sure to follow your monster marshal’s instructions.

Always try to play to the spirit of the creature you are portraying. Think as it would think and act as it would act.

We appreciate everyone’s hard work and want you to enjoy yourselves.
Just try to do it within the KR world and the guidelines James has set, and if you have questions, please just ask.