So I have an upcoming campaign using the Rise of the Runelords adventure path and I want to select a helpful NPC to give the PC's guidance without "upstaging" any of their abilities. My go to is usually a bard with problems with monogamy, but as much as I've enjoyed that cliche in the past, I want to stretch my character folio this time out and do something that stands out, without over-shadowing the players. The PCs are as follows: Human Male Paladin, Human Female Sorcerer, Human Male Rogue and Human Male Cleric ( all humans, first time in over twenty years I've had an all human group for anything ). They are decent role-players ( socially, shy one and all ) and good friends and I want to do right by them. Any suggestions?
Do you mean an NPC that accompanies them and fights at their side, or some random person they meet that is temporarily helpful?
If the first, why is that necessary?
They sound like they've got a good, balanced group in there. Do you know what roles people plan to be taking (i.e. archer, blaster, healer, tank, etc.)? What would you be planning to use your NPC for, primarily?
So I have an upcoming campaign using the Rise of the Runelords adventure path and I want to select a helpful NPC to give the PC's guidance without "upstaging" any of their abilities. My go to is usually a bard with problems with monogamy, but as much as I've enjoyed that cliche in the past, I want to stretch my character folio this time out and do something that stands out, without over-shadowing the players. The PCs are as follows: Human Male Paladin, Human Female Sorcerer, Human Male Rogue and Human Male Cleric ( all humans, first time in over twenty years I've had an all human group for anything ). They are decent role-players ( socially, shy one and all ) and good friends and I want to do right by them. Any suggestions?
Honestly, looking at what you've got, a bard would be the classic '5th' party member, able to enhance everyone's abilities without taking over any specific role herself... and RotRL just happens to provide you with one early on in the story - the innkeeper and former adventurer Ameiko. She's local and can both serve as an intermediary in play and to give the characters the occasional 'nudge' you think they might need. Apart from that I'm thinking an Archeologist, perhaps a halfling, specializing in ancient Thassilon.
Honestly, unless the players are all new to roleplaying/Pathfinder, I think you'd be fine letting them head off on their own.
Even when played very low-key, GMPCs tend to set off warning bells for the players.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
You know, they have been playing awhile. I might just take the crutch of NPC away this time and see how it goes. Traditionally my friends/players haven't been very ambitious with most leads ( though they do suprise me at times ). Either way should be entertaining, though, if all else fails I like the halfling archeologist angle. That would be interesting. Thanks guys!
They sound like they've got a good, balanced group in there. Do you know what roles people plan to be taking (i.e. archer, blaster, healer, tank, etc.)? What would you be planning to use your NPC for, primarily?
I was planning on using the NPC for 50% hints to storyline, 25% combat buffer, 20% Role-Play inspiration, 5% obstacle/ red herring.