CREATING SPECIALISTS

A Specialist provides a specific profession, skill, or capability beyond simple combat.

Specialists may provide enhanced firepower to opposing rivals or villains to provide additional challenge to the Adventurers.

For example, a goblin horde of may also have a shaman specialist casting spells to distract the Adventurers with unpredictable challenges, and archers who specialize in Ranged Combat to harass the Adventurers from a distance.

Specialists may also provide their enhanced abilities to the Adventures to overcome specialized obstacles placed in their path.

Core Specialist Design

Create a core NPC to then extend into a Specialist.

Creating NPCs

At a minimum create the NPC name, appearance, basic portrayal, and any relevant hooks or secrets needed for the encounter.

Additional Specialist Design

Extend the NPC with the Skill or Special Effect (SFX) ability which fulfills their role within the story.

SPECIALIST SKILL
The Skill and rank, from -10 to 0 to +10, which the Specialist holds.

SPECIALIST SFX ABILITY
The Special Effect (SFX) ability and rank, from -10 to 0 to +10, which the Specialist holds.

SPECIALIST ATTRIBUTES
Which Attributes will the Specialist's Skill or Special Effect depend on?

SPECIALIST ATTRIBUTE RESERVES
Which Attribute Reserves will the Specialist's Skill or Special Effect depend on?

SPECIALIST ALLEGIANCE / FACTION
What faction does the Specialist belong to?

SPECIALIST ROLE / PROFESSION
What does the Specialist do that supports the faction?

SPECIALIST MOTIVATION
Why do they work for their employer?

SPECIALIST LOYALTY
How easy is it to get the Specialist to betray their employer?

Specialist Worksheet

Create a note card for each possible recurring or persistent Specialist:

Core Design
SPECIALIST NAME
SPECIALIST APPEARANCE
SPECIALIST PORTRAYAL
Additional Design
SPECIALIST REACTIONS
SPECIALIST NEEDS / AGENDAS / HOOKS
SPECIALIST RUMORS / SECRETS / CLUES
SPECIALIST SKILLS / SFX
SPECIALIST SFX ABILITY
SPECIALIST ATTRIBUTES / RESERVES
SPECIALIST ALLEGIANCE / FACTION
SPECIALIST ROLE / PROFESSION
SPECIALIST MOTIVATION
SPECIALIST LOYALTY

Additional Resources

Roleplaying Tips #0966 - What Roles To Build For A Grand Cast Of NPCs
Roleplaying Tips #1071 - The Secret Role of NPCs

Salvage Space: Specialists

Salvage Space: Specialists

Chronology :: ◢ References: NPCs