Just a teensy amount of Beth. Wonderful. Important. Experienced. How to Talk to "Big NPCs"

Contributor: Beth Fallon 
Submission: How To Talk To "Big NPCs"/non-fiction from someone who really does know
LARP system: Madrigal / Accelerant

Your Location: Ayer, MA
Character name: Every character in the book. I owe her an art request, for sure.
Years LARPing: 21
Contact Email: efallon@earthlink.net

Having noted a reticence of some otherwise awesome players to talk to Plot-Staff NPCs, a handy guide to interaction! 





First: what, pray tell, is a Big NPC?

In this context, I mean a character, usually played by a member of Plot Staff, which is seen as important in the context of the game; either for their role/place in the cosmology, their political or racial power, or some other plotline-intensive reason. Sometimes you and the rest of the game hit them a lot. Sometimes you and what only SEEMS like the rest of the game roleplay with them, and try to strip their mind bare of information a lot. It is the latter I address today. 

So. You're walking along, minding your (character's) business, when suddenly before you stands a member of plot staff in an unnecessarily intricate costume, with plotlines visibly leaking out of their ears, and at least the suggestion that they're there to talk rather than beat you like a pinata. What to do?

Well, this first begins by assuming this is a plotline you WANT to get involved in; if the last thing your character wants is Glittery Fae Plot-Cooties, chatting up the Queen of Air and Darkness isn't probably in your best interest. If you're not into whatever plotline they're hocking, best to wander elsewhere, or at least hover at the edge of the encounter, juuuuust in case things devolve into delicious, delicious violence. (Though, if you DO know that your buddy Guy McGuy DOES want in on this plotline, and maybe this NPC is in fact looking for them... the gods smile upon those who help NPCs hook their friends. Just sayin'.)

That addressed, let's assume you DO want yourself a heapin' helpin' of whatever plotline they're brandishing. Maybe you've been hip-deep in this plot since Year 1. Maybe this is your first event, but you just really like things with glitter on them, and boy-howdy that poor NPC will never be sparkle-free again. First step?

TALK TO THEM.

No, really. It's literally that simple. I can ASSURE YOU, there is nothing fun or interesting about stomping around in a costume with half a pound of makeup on when no one wants to talk to you. Defeats the purpose entirely, and isn't good for the ego. *hand to forehead*

Ain't NOTHING wrong with walking up to an NPC, bold as brass, and inquiring What Is Up in an appropriate in-game manner. And from there? Once you KNOW What Is Up? Asking more questions, leading them to where they want to go/who else they want to talk to, taking notes, etc. THAT IS THE POOOOOOINT OF THE NPC. I PROMISE. *flails*

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Hehehe. Just an itty-bitty slice of Beth's giant brain. I have so much more. Read it. Comment. Go crazy. Go read Terra and Rowan first. I'll leave Zeph alone. Beth has makeup, Endgame, costumes, and crazy mechanics up the huggle. I love her. She hates me so much. 15 comments = more stuff. I will take two requests to the first two commenters.