(( Posted with permission of author. ))

From:           	glas@usit.net
Subject:        	[stcircle] NPC Uber Alles
Date sent:      	Tue, 21 Nov 2000 09:48:24 -0800



Just a thought...

There is a tendency for STs who want to map one-to-one
bodies-to-NPCs to build very, very strong NPCs.  This 
is especially true for 'enforcer' types (Archons, the 
knights of the King/Duke/Count, Hierarchy soldiers, et 
cetera).  Avoid it when you can.

If your Archons are always killing-killing-killing 
without remorse or the penalties associated with a 
Path, you are just telling your players that they 
cannot be as 'buff' as your ST characters.  If your 
Knights are constantly using Glamour that players 
can't get, you're just sending the message that they 
aren't as 'good' as your NPCs.  If your Hierarchy 
guards never suffer the effects of Angst when they 
lash out with Obliviate, you're just telling your 
players that you have more testosterone/estrogen 
as an ST than they do... and such contests always 
bode badly.

Use 'weaker' NPCs... in numbers.  Have your Archons/
agents of the Bishop/ knights of the nobility suffer 
the occasional crisis of faith, just like PCs. Make    
the point that many agents of powers get where they 
are *because* they learned to work smarter, not 
harder - that they are not needfully the most buff, 
but *are* the most resourceful.

You have noticed that the Canon NPCs are interested 
in things like mortal families, etc, yes?  :)

Thanks for reading my $.02!
- Glas, #178