When running a game I like to keep the information on NPCs short and evocative. Meaning at a glance I can tell what this character is about, what they can do, etc. I try to hit the strengths and weaknesses and ignore all the average aspects of the character. I strive for minimalism. I have been doing this for some time and I am always on the search for better ways to do it.

I am wondering what techniques others use for this.

I always liked the Star Wars NPC statblocks because they could, literally, look like this:

   Zarn Olash  All stats 3D except: DEX 4D, Blaster 4D+1, Dodge 5D, STR 3D+2.  Equipment: Blaster pistol (4D), blast vest (+2 energy), comlink.

Done!  Doesn't say much about the NPC's personality, goals, etc., but that was usually summarized in the accompanying text, if it was important.

That is awesomely minimal.

Have you tried to apply the same idea to a DnD NPC?

Quote from: Michael MThat is awesomely minimal.

Have you tried to apply the same idea to a DnD NPC?

EDIT:  Actually, you kind of can, by listing ONLY certain parts of the stat block -- the stuff that NPC is likely to need in the given scenario.  Like-a thees:

   Grover the Blacksmith of Horn Turn: Exp 3, AC 12 (+2 armor, lthr. apron), hp12, BAB +1, Str 14, Craft: Blacksmithing +6.

'Course if someone wants to cast a spell on him, or browbeat him into making something for cheap, or what-have-you, it's off to the DMG to look up his saves and his skill rank maxima and etc.

Quote from: Michael MThat is awesomely minimal.

Have you tried to apply the same idea to a DnD NPC?

D20 statblocks by necessity get kind of out-of-hand.

Wow!  We're done already?

My typical NPC stat block looks like this:

Hans Blekker, struggling merchant, wily, overweight, clammy.

If I think a combat is likely it might look like this:

Hans Blekker, struggling merchant, wily, overweight, clammy.
HP12, Punch 55%, Pistol 35%

Frankly, if a game needs more than that it's not the game for me.

I am of a similar mind. If the character cannot be summed up briefly and allow me to portay them well, it doesn't suit my style. As soon as I am looking stuff up I can really feel the game drag. And instead of portraying a character I feel like I am just reporting stats.

I quite like that 'character' features into the notation as well.

I think games like BESM are interesting for this in that you can give them good character stuff within the mechanics through defects etc.

One other aspect I think is valuable in notation (if combat is likely) is the NPC's tactics or behaviour in the fight. Also, if they are fighting twelve orcs I like to add a distinguishing feature for each one. The one with the red scar, the one with the mohawk, the one with white hair, etc. My aim is to make them more than numbers but as efficently as possible.

The library of games I have played is not huge. Are there any other games that lend to either brief NPC notation or good characterization as part of the notation?

See Traveller, Classic:

76869C Carousing-1, Computer-2, Grav Vehicle-1, Leader-1, Yacht and 10,000*

*from this thread: http://www.therpgsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4412

-clash

Fantastic!

That's what I'm talking about. Not to say that a game that can't do this is bad, but I really dig this kind of elegance.

I have never played Traveller. I have heard it mentioned many times at this forum and always in a positive light. Looks like I will have to go check it out.

When Traveller comes to town, The Fonz slinks out at night because he cannot compete.

wow.

that's a glowing endorsement.

maybe i'm not good enough for this game...

A technique I've seen (with variations) is to include the answer to this question:  "What does this NPC want the PCs to do?"

For me, personally, a stat-block that goes like "Father Kronk:  Wants the players to show that Lady Leonide is a degenerate unworthy of her position" does more to provide me the information I need at an instant than a block of skill-stats.

Quote from: Michael Mwow.

that's a glowing endorsement.

maybe i'm not good enough for this game...

Yes you are.  Never say you aren't.

Quote from: TonyLBA technique I've seen (with variations) is to include the answer to this question:  "What does this NPC want the PCs to do?"

Damn!  I keep forgetting to do that.  That's so fundamental, but I forget it anyway.  

Let's see...you could drop that into your One-Sentence Concept like the ones I like to use.  


ZARN OLASH: A dashing Corellian gunslinger who likes to show off; wants to kill the PCs so Jabbawill pay him.

RINGO KHADAFFI: A boastful, uncouth Fixer who craves wealth, power and sex; wants the players to buy his stuff and tell everyone how great he is (and sleep with him if they're female).

FRAMPTON ROOSCH: A Starport Authority Captain, nearing retirement age, who really just wants to retire soon; wants the PCs to cooperate with him so they can skip the red tape at Arduun Downport.

EDMUND ROSSITER: A cigar-chomping sextagenarian ex-adventurer, now running the humanitarian Rossiter Foundation, who wants to make the world a better place; wants the PCs (his agents) to be as passionate as he.

VALTA THE RED: A headstrong, pro-active Amazon Warrior who likes to fight; wants the PCs to go with her to the Phasic Swamp and kill a Reactor.

Nice! Gums things up a bit but it's not too much.