Scenario Creation: NPC Design

It is best to create scenario after knowing the preference of PC. As such, one can say creating Contact NPC is the first creative step for a GM running Ventangle. Contact NPC is an important figure for keeping player and session motivation high. While it is fine for them to only show up once, it is better to make characters that can be reused if possible. GM should consult player and pay attention to consensus when creating character. More importantly, the character should be someone who does not burden GM, and is fun to play as. While Contact NPC has no data, their existence has a significant impact on not only the PC personally, but the world as a whole. It is better for player to love and attach to not only the initial Contact, but also other potential Contact NPC met in the session instead of seeing them in terms of simple advantage or disadvantage. In order to create a (sexually) attractive NPC, the following points should be considered. While they also apply to PC to a certain extent, PC data and the tables should give you a certain idea of how the PC looks and acts.

=Connection= For the initial Contact NPC, the biggest hints are in PC's Origin and Adept, as well as their "Life Circumstance" and "Personal Experience". In particular, the god Apostle serves and the faerie contracted to Witch are prime Contact choices. While it is an exclusive relationship, the world can be expanded upon in sessions. It can also provide a reason for PC to learn more about the world. For other Origin and Adept, you can think about individuals related to their "Life Circumstance" and "Personal Experience". However, it does not mean anyone related to the past of PC will do. This is especially true if there are clear hierarchal or hostile relationships. Player's stance on hinted ERP should not be ignored. For player who wish to dominate, rulers and superiors are figures to be subjugated. Setting and hierarchy are not reasons to ignore consensus. For player who prefers masochism, there is nothing wrong with using the situation of being toyed with by rival as the initial Connection. That said, if it is not the case, rival should be limited to enemy that will appear eventually.

=Don't be Limited by Type= There are 6 types of Contact NPC, and they provide different effects. However, player should not be lost between advantage and disadvantage from consensus. The type is meant for convenience, is does not necessarily fit the nature of NPC perfectly. It is fine to use type not recommended if it is deemed "doable". Gods and faeries might fit as "Mystic", but they can be any type of Contact. While an individual obviously with no combat prowess cannot be a "Ruffian", they can be "Guardian" due to emotions PC has towards them.

=Character Design= You should not overdo NPC design. While it needs to be done to a certain degree, it is fine to not hint upon things that the player does not need to know. Furthermore, the design can be changed as needed during sessions. Design too detailed might limit future plot development. It would be more convenient to keep details ambiguous for the future when it comes into use.

=Special Contact NPC= For participants who prefer gang rape and orgies, it is fine to have groups and organisations to be Contact as long as consensus permits. In this case, PC might be related to multiple nameless mobs. If you want to give the leader a name and related setting and abilities, it is better to make them a separate Contact NPC. There are cases where one wants the Contact to be orcs with little personality, or slime and roper with no personality. It is fine as long as PC consider them to be special. However, it is fine to decline if GM found it difficult to RP.

=Copyrighted Characters= It is fine to use characters from copyrighted works for description as long as it is something all participants recognise. If participants are not against it, it is fine to use their name and appearance alike as-is. It is like using them for fan animations and fanarts. Even though they come from existing works, there is no need to reflect their design and power perfectly. They should be used like actors.

=Colleague Contact= An easy source of initial Contact NPC and new potential Contact NPC is fellow Hunters. There are 20 sample Hunter in this book. GM may use them as-is. GM maybe also change their appearance and background to comply with consensus. Of course, GM can also use them as mere reference to create original Hunter for Contact.

=Contact of Various Groups= P. 167 introduces all kinds of groups and prominent figures within the Fallen Special Ward. Alongside them are also plot hooks suitable for those groups and people. They have considerable influence in the Fallen Special Ward, and can be powerful supporter or enemy to PC. GM may use them in multiple ways, such as client, enemy, supporter and source of intel. Even without Contact, a strictly business relationship can still be arranged. If PC is sufficiently competent and charming, it is quite possible for special relationship to be developed.