Base Camp - Important NPCs
The Folk that make up the population of the Forgotten Academy Base Camp are an eclectic and interesting group with only one thing really in common: all have been recruited by Marquis Wyrdswyrth Spikeberry to be a part of a grand expedition with promises of rich rewards.
A human laborer/teamster performing various jobs around the camp.
The Folk in the base camp come from many backgrounds. Some are simply doing a job for - they hope - good wages. Some are fleeing a problematic past. Some were simply bored with their routine lives and were looking for a change. Whatever it was that brought them all to this spot deep in the wilderness, they have formed a community of sorts - a community into which the Player Characters must now integrate themselves if they wish to get along with the Folks who will most likely be needed to keep them alive.
Initially, camp folk will view the Player Character adventuring party as just another group of hirelings that the Marquis persuaded to join his expedition. In fact, though the PCs should not be are of this initially, they are not the first such group. And given the short time the prior groups lasted, the NPCs may not be quick to establish friendships. Over time, however, PCs may establish friendships with some of the folk while developing animosities with others. As the campaign progresses, these may provide opportunities and obstacles. In addition to being the shopkeepers and service providers, various NPCs that the party will deal with in the Base Camp serve two additional purposes: as sources of information, and as teachers of valuable skills.
The NPCs have opinions about the Marquis, the expedition, and the other Folk in camp. Under the right circumstances, they could be encouraged to share these opinions. Some might contain valuable insights, while others might be fabricated falsehoods or misunderstandings. One important fact that they will not share with the PCs initially is that our heroes are not the first Adventurers brought in to explore the ruins. Two other groups have preceded them, and neither lasted very long. The Marquis has made it well known throughout the camp that this fact is emphatically not to be discussed with the new arrivals!
Some of the NPCs have mastered one or more of the Acquired Specialties. These skills might be quite useful to the Player Characters as they advance in their Adventuring careers. For the right price, whether paid in gold, barteer, or favors, an NPC might be willing to pass their knowledge along to a party member wishing to gain a new skill for themself.
Initially, camp folk will view the Player Character adventuring party as just another group of hirelings that the Marquis persuaded to join his expedition. In fact, though the PCs should not be are of this initially, they are not the first such group. And given the short time the prior groups lasted, the NPCs may not be quick to establish friendships. Over time, however, PCs may establish friendships with some of the folk while developing animosities with others. As the campaign progresses, these may provide opportunities and obstacles. In addition to being the shopkeepers and service providers, various NPCs that the party will deal with in the Base Camp serve two additional purposes: as sources of information, and as teachers of valuable skills.
The NPCs have opinions about the Marquis, the expedition, and the other Folk in camp. Under the right circumstances, they could be encouraged to share these opinions. Some might contain valuable insights, while others might be fabricated falsehoods or misunderstandings. One important fact that they will not share with the PCs initially is that our heroes are not the first Adventurers brought in to explore the ruins. Two other groups have preceded them, and neither lasted very long. The Marquis has made it well known throughout the camp that this fact is emphatically not to be discussed with the new arrivals!
Some of the NPCs have mastered one or more of the Acquired Specialties. These skills might be quite useful to the Player Characters as they advance in their Adventuring careers. For the right price, whether paid in gold, barteer, or favors, an NPC might be willing to pass their knowledge along to a party member wishing to gain a new skill for themself.
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