Damn useful list, I agree with Dossta's idea about sub lists. But you have already done the hard part for us typing all of these out. Thanks
The headings are nice, so game systems publish whole books of character generation tables (Traveller...I am looking at you). These tables must fill some innate need gamers have to let dice rolls describe the universe.
Well done, I could see this expanded by quite a bit. I would have a hard time taking most of these NPCs seriously (nose picker, pimple squeezer, indecent exposure, drooling idiot, egg sucker, etc.) and a few I would be almost afraid of (notebook guy, pet ooze, dummy recruiter, licks walls, etc.). I find this list both fascinates me and disturbs me about the locals in your fantasy world.
I've seen many lists like this one before, but that doesn't mean that they are not necessary. The only suggestion I can offer is to take the same characteristics again and reorganize them in a different section of the sub. Perhaps group them into categories like physical vs mannerisms, or gross vs irrititating vs charming vs disturbing etc. That way it would be easier to use such a large list if you're looking for something specific, rather than relying on a dice roll for a random characteristic. Not that the dice roll method is bad -- it just doesn't help me find something that fits an NPC concept I already have.
This Wiki is under construction, and is based upon the thread which can be found here.
Great idea that forces the DM to think about these NPCs to get that history. Then, when introduced or used, they will be invested in that NPC and be self-obligated to use the info. I like it!
Great submission. A simple sweet way to give depth to characters, just the right amount of depth. Not too much, not too little, and all with just a simple blurb. I plan on incorperating this into many of my own works. Great job!
Nifty little article that I will surely consider for my next batch of NPCs. I think a collection of these is a grand idea. Lead the way, Val.
I was expecting there to be some sort of gimmick with the ten-second story title, the idea is solid but plays out to basically be 'give npcs a little backstory'.
How about 10 Word Story, a slightly longer version of the tradition of epic long names for bad guys (He Who must Not Be Named).
Fenris, his son is always running off to the Gypsies. 9 words, but any time Fenris interacts with the PCs they can ask where his son has run off to this time, or what mischief he caused with the Gypsies.
Mrs. Max, constantly mothers over the village kindly. 6 words, but it makes it known that this woman is constantly involved in village affairs, in a motherly fashion, which would include keeping scoundrels in line and watching children and such, but the addition of kindly makes it obvious she isn't a constantly harping harridan.
Max, always has an eye for women and what they are doing. 11 words, but the 10 word is a guide, not a goal or a limit. So Max will talk about what his wife is doing, what his daughter is doing, or what the ladies around the village are doing. he might very well know what the menfolk are doing, he just doesn't relate that. Maybe Max is the village match maker, maybe he doesn't talk about the menfolk because he is insecure, injured, or he might just be the village secret Casanova.
I thought this was good and it always nice to read an idea I am on board with, but I more on board with Scrasamax on this one in expecting some gimmick, trick it or meat to it.(as soon he finds out I am board he will be swimming to the next port). Yet you make a good point and give us a few examples on how to implement that point.
Excellent idea! I'd like to see people start putting their stories here to build up a library of these!
NPCs (Extras) (Artistic/Performance)