#Policy

# NPC Tier System

This document defines how NPCs are categorized and documented in this vault. Tier is not assigned at creation — it is earned through player interaction. An NPC starts at whatever tier fits their introduction and advances when the players engage more deeply.

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## Tier 1 — Background Characters

Unnamed. These are part of the environment rather than characters in their own right. They provide atmosphere, react to the players as a mass, and do not need individual documentation.

**Examples:** a jeering crowd, merchants in a bazaar, soldiers guarding a gate, patrons in a tavern.

**Documentation:** None required. May be mentioned in session notes as flavor.

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## Tier 2 — Stand-ins

The players have singled out a specific individual from the background and interacted with them directly. The NPC still has no name, but they need enough definition to be played consistently for the duration of the scene.

**Examples:** the guard who stops the party at the gate, the drunk who bumps into Frigg, the merchant the players haggle with.

**Documentation:** Can be grouped into a shared file (e.g., `Kalibethia Stand-ins.md`). Each entry needs:
- A descriptor handle (e.g., *Gate Guard, South District*)
- 1–2 traits or mannerisms
- Any relevant mechanical info (job, faction affiliation if obvious)
- History: one-line entries linking to each session they appeared in (e.g., *Background presence in [[Session 1 Episode 6]]*)

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## Tier 3 — Named Characters

The NPC has given the players their name, or the players have learned it. A name implies the NPC is memorable and may be returned to. They need a consistent voice.

**Examples:** A dockworker who introduced himself as Pell, a barmaid who told the party her name is Corva.

**Documentation:** Can still be grouped in a shared file with other named characters from the same location. Each entry needs:
- Name
- Brief physical descriptor
- 3–5 character traits or speech patterns for consistent roleplay
- Role/occupation and any faction ties
- History: one-line entries linking to each session they appeared in (e.g., *Antagonist of [[Session 1 Episode 6]]*)

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## Tier 4 — Full Characters

The players have gone deeper — asked for backstory, formed a relationship, requested details, or otherwise made this NPC matter. Full characters get their own page and are treated as significant figures in the world.

**Documentation:** Own `.md` file in `2 - Characters/`. Follows the standard NPC template and includes:
- Full bio (origin, history, motivations)
- Personality, ideals, bonds, flaws
- Specific affiliations, attitudes toward factions, and opinions on major figures
- Statblock (optional — only if combat is likely or useful for reference)
- Wikilinks to relevant locations, factions, and other characters
- History: one-line entries linking to each session they appeared in (e.g., *Antagonist of [[Session 1 Episode 6]]*)

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## Advancement Triggers

| Tier | Trigger |
|------|---------|
| Background → Stand-in | Players single out and speak to a specific individual |
| Stand-in → Named | NPC gives or reveals their name |
| Named → Full Character | Players ask for backstory, return to the NPC, or form a meaningful relationship |

Advancement happens in the moment. If a Stand-in gives their name mid-conversation, promote them to Named before the session ends. If a Named character becomes a recurring figure, create their full page before the next session.

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## Notes

- Lower tiers can share files by location or session. Full characters always get their own page.
- If a player adopts an NPC as a contact or recurring ally, treat that as an automatic promotion to Full Character regardless of how much detail has been asked for.
- Background characters never need documentation unless something about them becomes plot-relevant, at which point they enter at Stand-in or higher.