NPC Rules

NPC Definition

NPC stands for Non-Player Character; in other words, a side-character that comes up once in a while to fill a role in a thread that a PC (real character, ie, Player Character) can’t. The various hot dog sellers, taxi drivers, and average citizens of the MRO-verse are NPCs. Most NPCs only appear a few times; some, like the Sanctuary’s receptionist Lisa, have been popping up around MRO for years. An NPC can be played by anyone, but it’s always polite to get permission from their creator first if you’re planning something drastic, like have them hit by a car, or eviscerated. Generally, the more time an NPC has been on MRO, the more respect you should treat them with. Mugger that randomly appeared in a thread? Cannon fodder. Lisa? Major General of Don’t-Touch-Her-Or-Else.

Guidelines for Using NPCs

There is some confusion about where the line between an NPC and a PC is. In the words of one of our members: “I think you should find an NPC to fill a purpose, rather than the other way around.” An NPC should be in your thread for a clear purpose that a real character (PC) couldn’t fill. You shouldn’t invent reasons to have your NPC in a thread, just because you like them.

In general, NPCs should not star in their own threads or have posts that are told from their perspective, unless they are filling a role that no PC can (such as guest starring as the thug you're about to kill). If you can use a PC instead, use a PC whenever possible.



If you get attached to an NPC you have made, you can make them into a true character once you have earned enough posts. However, you should not use the NPC as a regular character until you have earned them their own account. They can cameo in your other character's threads, but they should not become a main character in threads until you have earned enough posts to get them their own character account. Please do not use an NPC as an excuse to get around the post requirements for additional characters.

Please keep in mind, as well, that upgrading an NPC to a PC is not guaranteed, especially where power concerns come into play. An NPC might be over-powered as a PC, or overlapping another PC chara’s power turf, and therefore subject to veto. NPCs do not have veto rights over any incoming characters.

Does my NPC need an NPC Profile?

Are you only planning to use the NPC for a few threads? Will the NPC probably not be used by other people? Don’t bother with a profile. 

Are other players using your NPC frequently, and they need a reference for what the character looks/acts like? Then you might consider making an NPC Profile to keep everyone on the same page.

NPC profiles don't need Mod approval, and they don't need to be fully fleshed out like real profiles. Just fill in the information from the regular Character Profile that you think is relevant and/or interesting, and post it on the NPC Profiles thread.

Please keep your NPC’s profile updated for any major changes, ie, age, occupation switches, massive personality changes, etc. If they die, delete the profile, or make a note of it (it’s fine to leave an NPC profile up as a tribute to a well-loved NPC lost).