Why NPCs Deserve More Love in LARP
When you think about live-action role-playing (LARP), you probably imagine being a brave hero, a clever thief, or a powerful wizard, running into battle or giving an awesome speech. Those moments are what make LARP so exciting, but they wouldn’t happen without the non-player characters (NPCs). These are the people who make the game world feel real, and they deserve way more appreciation than they usually get. Let’s talk about why NPCs are so important and how we can show them some love.
The People Who Make the World Feel Alive
Picture showing up to a LARP event, all dressed up with your cool costume and weapon, ready for an adventure. But when you get there, there’s no one to fight, no one to give you a quest, and no one to talk to in the game. No shopkeeper selling potions, no bad guy to battle, no villager warning you about danger. That’s what LARP would be like without NPCs. They’re the ones who make the game world feel like a real place. They give you challenges to overcome, make your wins feel awesome, and help your choices matter.
NPCs are like the backbone of the story. They play all kinds of roles, from kings to bandits to random townsfolk, and they make the game fun and immersive for everyone.
NPCing Is Tough Work
Being an NPC isn’t easy. One minute, an NPC might be acting like a scared villager running from a monster. A few hours later, they could be a sneaky spy or a terrifying zombie leader. They have to change costumes, learn lines, and keep track of the story, all while dealing with whatever crazy things the players do. Sometimes they’re out in the rain or heat, wearing heavy costumes that aren’t super comfortable, and they still have to stay in character and keep the game going.
Most NPCs don’t get paid much, if anything. They might get a small discount on the event or maybe a cup of coffee at the end of the day. But they do it because they love LARP and want to make it fun for the players.
They Make Your Best Moments Happen
Think about your favorite LARP memories. Maybe it was the time you beat a powerful villain, made a deal with a shady merchant, or said goodbye to an ally who “died” in the game. Every one of those moments happened because an NPC was there, giving their all to make the story awesome. They’re the ones who play the bad guys you defeat, the friends you save, or the strangers who give you secret clues. They let you, the player, be the hero by taking on roles that set up your big moments.
NPCs work hard to make sure you have a great time, even if it means they don’t get to be the star of the show. That’s pretty cool when you think about it.
How We Can Show NPCs Some Love
NPCs don’t usually get the same attention as players. They don’t win big awards, their characters don’t get long stories, and when event photos go up, they’re often stuck playing the bad guys who lose. But there are easy ways we can show them we’re grateful:
- Say Thanks: Tell them “great job” during or after the game. It feels good to hear that their work made a difference.
- Help Out: Offer to grab them water, help fix a costume, or carry some of their stuff. Small things like that can make their day easier.
- Give Them a Shoutout: Talk about how awesome they were in a post online or tell the event organizers to give them some credit.
- Buy Them a Coffee: If you can, treat them to a snack or drink. It’s a little way to say thanks for all their hard work.
These things show NPCs that we see and appreciate what they do, and it makes the whole LARP community better.
Keeping the LARP Magic Going
NPCs are a huge part of what makes LARP special. They create the worlds we love to play in, and they deserve to know how much that means to us. At LARPnews, we try to share stories about NPCs and give them the spotlight they don’t always get. Running LARP events costs money for things like costumes and travel, and supporting NPCs helps keep the fun going. If an NPC ever made your game more exciting or gave you a moment you’ll never forget, think about showing them some love. Maybe even buy them a coffee to keep them energized for the next big scene.
NPCs are the heart of LARP. They work hard, stay creative, and make every game feel like a real adventure. Let’s make sure they feel just as important as the heroes they help create.
