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How to Start an RPG Campaign Step 7 – NPCs and Monsters

(Note: This is one of several posts that can be read in any order, depending on how you like to build your campaigns. Don't worry; there'll be a summary post once they're posted.)

There are generally four types of non-player characters:

• Extras/color: They ake requests of the PCs, provide color and exposition about the world/plot, and otherwise move things along.
• Allies: They help out, whether in combat or by contributing resources. The players might run to them if they get into trouble.
• Villains: Smart NPCs who oppose and frustrate the PCs.
• Monsters/Enemies: Anything that will fight the PCs in combat.

There is a lot of overlap between the above types.

The only reason to differentiate between these is to figure out which stats and details you need to figure out.

• Extras/color: A brief character description.
• Allies and villains: A full character sheet, both for roleplaying and combat.
• Monsters/enemies: Combat stats.

There are different ways to prepare these:

• Extras/color: You can usually plan ahead for these, since you'll require them to exposit or talk to the characters. Two or three sentences of personality and role will do. If you need to come up with something on the fly, use either your imagination or the Chaotic Shiny random generators for NPCs.
• Allies and villains: Think about their probable involvement and roles. Design them around how powerful, sympathetic, etc. you want them to be.
• Monsters/enemies: If you've done any worldbuilding for this area, you should know what sort of creatures and enemies your players will be facing. If your system has a monster manual, you can pick and choose; if not, you might have to either convert from another system's monster manual or get creative and create your own. Make sure to have a full stock of things to fight if you plan on making interesting, varied combat.