NPC's that the DM should not kill off?

[Airhead]

Another post got me to thinking. I know there are a list of NPC's on the back cover. But, are there any NPC's that need to survive between modules?

At one point in the first module:

Spoiler:

One of the PC's was about to kill the snooty actor. I really figure he is needed as the protagonist in the second book?

I know that anything can be overcome, but I don't have the hours needed to do a major rewrite.

[James Jacobs]

Airhead wrote:

Another post got me to thinking. I know there are a list of NPC's on the back cover. But, are there any NPC's that need to survive between modules?

At one point in the first module:
** spoiler omitted **

I know that anything can be overcome, but I don't have the hours needed to do a major rewrite.

As a general rule, we try to indicate in the text when an NPC steps "off stage" and no longer plays a role in the AP. Unless you see that, there's always a chance that NPC will show up later... but even if they do and they're dead in your game, it should be relatively easy to just change the name of the later appearance NPC.

The NPCs that are probably the most important to leave alive are...

Spoiler:

...from Bastards of Erebus: Thesing Ulvauno, Ecarrdian and Chammady Drovenge, Vassindio Drovenge, and Aberian Arvanxi. From Council of Thieves, I'd add Crosael, Vourne, and MAYBE Eirtein. Actually, the bone devil Nyxervex shows up in the 4th adventure, but he can really easily just be a different devil if he dies in "Sixfold Trial."

As for the actor, Thesing... he actually has a big role to play in the 2nd adventure and if the PCs are predisposed to hate him, his role in the 2nd adventure will be even more fun and they'll likely end up hating him even more. That said... if he dies early... that's fine. His final appearance in the last adventure more or less assumes he died SOMEhow...

[Airhead]

Thanks James. They missed an AP due to their interaction with him. If he "breaks a leg" in book 2, all the better....