Non Player Characters, The Barkeep

Non player character, to often do we focus on the two first words in that statement. non player. Our NPC's start to lack character.

Who can blame any DM, how many things do we need to keep track of, why add something else who may not be important to the story.

The idea i want to get across here is a para-dime shift of thinking about NPC's. Not just for DM's but for players.

The Barkeep is probably the most powerful NPC i can think of, they are not helpless lawful good individuals.

"I was sitting in my favorite pub down by the docs, a nice quiet place where the fire is always warm and the ale is always cold. I was minding my own business enjoying a smoke and a drink. A group of adventures entered the pub and started flashing some money around and demanded things of old Tuck, the Barkeep. They stayed the hole night and drank and broke the place apart after getting into a fight with a local group of thugs. "

If a barkeep had a class, it would be a bard. Their drinking providing benefits instead of singing or playing music. Barkeeps also know when to shut up, which is why they are protected by most gangs and thugs who know any better.

The pub is where all shady characters go, adventures know this because they go there to find information. it would be safe to assume that the barkeep knows a lot about whats going on and has may favors with people.

"I was walking down the docs to prepare for a boat to baldurs gate, i know i could teleport but something about the sea air i enjoy. Anyway there were those adventures again, piled up dead with the local watch investigating. Well they did not know who was responsible but i sure did"

Barkeeps don't have to be evil, but they are not dumb simple or scare easy. I think its important for Players to be aware of how a Barkeep can be a good friend. They should also not be pestered with, and DM's should not allow players to push the barkeep around.

For DM's barkeeps are great for taking a break from the story, or advancing it along to the next level.

So re think those NPC's and add character to them.

Until next time, keep your dice on the table.