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FR: Stock NPCs
Tweet Topic Started: Mar 16 2007, 02:24 AM (156 Views)
kismetrose Mar 16 2007, 02:24 AM Post #1
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One of the major complaints that I've seen over the years about the Forgotten Realms involves the stock NPCs for the setting. These are the characters that have been developed through official gaming materials and/or related novels, and are important figures in the world. Whether or not you've played in FR, you probably know some names anyway, since there's Elminster, Alustriel, and Drizzt, oh my! But for a long time I've wanted to break down this common complaint and talk about it at greater length.

  • Too Many: One of the complaints I've seen is that there are too many NPCs developed for the setting. It is true that game designers have created a hoarde of NPCs for Faerun - but they've been steadily working on it in gaming supplements, novels, video games, and articles since 1985. This has to be kept in mind because the collection of NPCs is not a recent occurence; Elminster and Drizzt have been around for quite a while now. It's understandable that some people feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options to choose from but what it all comes down to is a choice. There is no rule saying that a DM has to use any of the stock NPCs in any capacity whatsoever - ever. None of them are indispensible to the setting. There's also no rule saying that you have to keep to the written storylines about the NPCs; if they die in your game, so be it. But FR is a wonderful resource for many gamers. Pre-made characters of any level can be taken directly out of the book, adjusted, or just consulted for inspiration.
  • Too Powerful: Another gripe I've heard is that the NPCs are too powerful for there to be things left unfixed in the world. I tend to think of this as the "Why Doesn't Elminster Take Care of It?" defense. People expect that if there are already big fish in the sea they'll be at the forefront of everything and there won't be enough glory left over for the PCs.

    Sometimes it sounds like people don't want the PCs to work for glory, or anything else: "Why should our group do anything when Elminster can fart and kill the demon?" Why? Because the PCs are available, that's why. First off, only so many epic level folks are living at any one time; it is possible set your game in an age in which Manshoon doesn't exist. Secondly, the DM decides who exists in the game and who doesn't, so in some games the Seven Sisters never came to be. Thirdly, high level characters have more power but they also have more to take care of, more epic level enemies, and more reasons to be damned busy. No, Khelben Blackstaff does not have time to vanquish every threat - even with his considerable levels and resources, he has to pick his battles.

    There is little reason that the presence of bigger fish should invalidate the PCs. There should be plenty for the group to do if the DM is actually doing their job right. One of the problems is that some DMs haven't done their jobs well and have allowed various NPCs to run the show. Another problem is that the stock NPCs are given the spotlight in various published products, leaving the impression that they must be present and must take a hand in major events. It is, however, just an impression, something that any DM can do without.
  • They Suck: When it comes down to it, sometimes people just can't stand the stock NPCs. I can completely understand this; sometimes the details just rub you the wrong way. It might be due to any number of things. The backstories of some characters are just ridiculous (the births of the Seven Sisters, anyone?). Other times, a character's personality just doesn't appeal. I'm sure folks have problems with the published statistics, as well. This shouldn't be a problem so long as people are willing to take control of their own games. No one has to use any of the stock characters, let alone characters they hate.

    For myself, I've decided to deal with characters I can't stand in various ways. Some, like Sylune and Qilue, are dead. Others, like Lady Alustriel, are influential but incredibly busy trying to stave off their enemies. Others won't show up at all. Sure, I have my complaints, but I've made my own choice.
  • Played Out: Why do so many people loudly claim to hate Drizzt Do'Urden? The famous drow character became wildly popular through novels and was brought into the FR canon based on that popularity. When he first became noticed he was something of a novelty. Drizzt gave R.A. Salvatore an excuse to write several novels based in the exotic Underdark and to give a good look at the lifestyle of the drow. He also started a trend of good drow characters, mostly because many players made "Drizzt clone" characters, complete with dual scimitars. Monkey see, monkey do.

    But the backlash against certain characters seems to be based in simple overexposure, something that we've seen in popular movies and music. The New Kids on the Block initially had novelty and a lot of popularity, but after the constant barrage of their music, the fans turned on them rabidly. Suddenly, no one liked NKOTB and no one ever had. The same thing is happening to long-established characters like Elminster and Drizzt - they've just been seen too often, in too many places. This doesn't mean that they have no merit but it might signal the desire for fresh faces and new stories. Drizzt has become too much of a cash cow to be abandoned, but other characters are more easily put to rest - if WotC will dare to do it.
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