I thought it was a great idea for Paizo to reveal some additional characters to be used for various APs of the past and beyond. I haven't seen a thread to discuss them, so I would like to make a thread on all of them and what people's opinions on them. I'll have my own opinion later on.
I think I missed all this, Patrick. Do you have a link or anything?
I would love a link, as well. I cannot find anything on optional NPC's... there was something about unique allies in the WotR video game, but nothing I could find, otherwise.
It was more of an opinion piece I wanted to get into. I wanted to say it later because of time constraints. Here are my thoughts:
The Terrible Tup: The prevalence of goblins was one of many reasons Pathfinder rose in prominence, so it makes sense that a goblin represents an AP where they are most famously prevalent. As far as characters go, she seems like a fun addition to the group. She can play multiple roles as a friend or foe. Or you can keep Tup as a leader of the next group of goblins with no telling how the tribe would treat Sandpoint. If a GM wants to keep goblins relevant, than Tup is a fine character to do so.
Gatlynn Keidros: Trying to fit in a new character for Curse of the Crimson Throne is a daunting task. It has one of the best group of NPCs of any AP. With that said, adding a lower-ranked member of the Gray Maidens is a pretty good idea. It helps keeps PCs more engaged on the world they're fighting against. And she can also go either way depending on how things go.
Chessadril Odranata: Don't get me wrong. Having a more morally grey (though still evil) drow is a decent idea. The thing is that she feels exclusive to that particular book unless she sides with the PCs. My greatest disappointment with this is that it doesn't address the big issue of elves being jerks for much of the AP. Getting someone who could vouch for them felt like a greater need for the AP than Chessadril.
Garavel: This... I can't agree with this. Not only is this a character that already has stats, but also one who already plays a prominent role in the AP. And on top of this, this AP more than any other one needed more characters that can help bolster the roster. Especially where it could have been a great opportunity to add geniekin to the area where there wasn't any at the time. It was my most disappointed character yet.
Amaya Kaijitsu: There were rumors that Amaya may be related to a certain bard in Sandpoint. Well things are now confirmed with the addition of the character. In this case I'm alright with it as it's a fun easter egg that was confirmed. And there's plenty of NPC allies in the AP. I don't think that was the issue with this AP. It could use some more recurring villains where the final bosses were prevalent yet impossible to interact without getting smacked.
Trazel Rainwater: As far as stalking murders go, Trazel is a fine addition to the flock. He's flexible as long as there are friendly NPCs that can be victims. I would have focused more on connections with Brevoy, but that's nitpicking and that region isn't really popular with creators.
Sheko-Maru: Male Red Mantis Assassins haven't been seen up to this point, so this is welcome surprise. With that said, the situation itself isn't new and it will take dedicated roleplayers to do anything other than end his life. It will be difficult to see if he will have much of an impact on Serpent Skull.
Lessaj Gilvrand: The biggest issue with Carrion Crown was the lack of direct involvement from the main villain up to the end. Lessaj can be that kind of answer depending on how she's used. Still, she can play multiple roles that also include being a cohort for the PCs. Still, she doesn't have much RP potential besides giving out information and protection.
Hirakonu: Jade Reagent has plenty of friendly NPCs to interact with, so naturally we're given an anti-villain to play with instead. It will be difficult to have him involved with the first half of the AP given how it's structured. Yet I welcome the attempt to give some nuance to oni control of the area. There's a lot of juicy developments that can happen if PCs are willing to give him a listen.
Ikiko: When I was wondering what could be missing for Skull & Shackles, Ikiko answered my question. Tengu are the perfect underappreciated group to introduce into the region, and Ikiko can be used for many different uses depending on what's needed. She also uses a class that fits neatly into the region.
Unselm Oldurac: NPCs can play many different roles and don't need to be pigeonholed into roles that merely make them useful. That said, I feel that many will feel frustrated with Unselm, especially people not used to roleplaying. Even then, it will likely take a lot of dedication to see through this plotline.
Amitrie Leth: With how far reaching the AP goes, the most likely new NPC would be from the Dancing Hut. She is an interesting character that can be a goldmine of conversation for PCs between books and even in other APs when needed.
Ayavah: While she first appeared in Magnimar, it only make sense that she appears where her demon blood would have a bigger role in Wrath of the Righteous. While her antics may be annoying in confronted, she plays the role as a supporting sorcerer fairly well. Patient roleplayers could ended up finding her enduring despite her self-centered nature and there's also that added caveat about her faith.
Vadoma Gall: This is hands down my favorite. The AP needed a new rival excavation party to compete with the PCs and an intellectual Varisian pretending to be a local just sounds too fun not to explore. She's ruthless yet respectful enough so that PCs won't go for the kill. I can see a lot of people falling for this character.
Malin the Prophet: This is my second favorite, mainly because he represents an angle of the AP that hasn't been explored: what if Casandalee shouldn't ascend. It adds a new wrinkle to what's already a memorable RP and it keeps PCs on guard as to what to do with the character if their interests no longer match.
Damon Vancaskerin: No AP is complete without a new addition to the infamous family. While I appreciate Paizo for adding new content for this, I feel that the AP could use more long-term allies as they are hard to come by as the AP progress. Perhaps, we could also have had a recurring orc enemy to keep the faction relevant while covering for weaknesses of the giants.
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Thanks, Rysky!