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NPC Retainers Reminder

Posted by Manikin on 08/08/21
Just a reminder to all players regarding the proper use of Retainers in scenes and RP. We love that people are excited and invested in the use of these NPCs to add flavor and depth to their scenes, but certain things need to be kept in mind:

1) NPCs are people (or animals) with their own will, lives, and needs. We don't currently have a system to track NPC loyalty, so we ask that people be reasonable and thoughtful - your butler will not selflessly die for you because you're just that awesome. Bodyguards and soldiers will fight to defend you because that's their job, but they won't generally give up their loved ones, their dreams, their wealth, or their lives for you outside of the boundaries of their duties. Especially be mindful that all though retainers are OOC objects, human retainers cannot be 'given' or 'transferred' to other people as if they were possessions; you can't just decide your secretary is going to switch fealties and work for someone else, now. Animals aren't perfectly obedient, and outside of a GM specifically directing them in a scene, should be assumed to have animal intelligence and understanding; if they are going to display something beyond that in a scene, the GM will tell you.

2) NPCs are not the focus of scenes. In a PrP or other scene, generally the focus should remain on PCs, and PC actions and skills will drive the success or failure of an endeavor unless a GM indicates that a retainer can play a key part in that scene. Please do not focus scenes on retainers or NPCs unless you have been invited to do so by the GM and other players.

3) As always, be mindful of IC restrictions against certain types of NPCs on the grid: animals do not belong in taverns, shrines, and official buildings like the Assembly or Palace unless they are explicitly welcomed there for that scene. If you have concerns about whether a pet would be appropriate, try to imagine taking your pet into an equivalent real life building - if you would get shown the door at the local steakhouse, you would get shown the door at a local pub. In places like the Assembly or the Palace or noble estates, there may be restrictions on armed retainers; these would be enforced by NPC guards, not PCs, so don't argue with PCs about exceptions. Be kind and thoughtful towards your fellow players and their spaces.

Have fun with retainers and NPCs, but please be mindful of theme and your fellow players!