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A good horror scenario really leans into the emotional connections, whether that’s between the Investigators or the non-player characters (NPCs) they end up interacting with. Whether they love or hate these characters, getting invested in their fate helps drive tension and makes the fear of failure more palpable. These folks can largely be broken into two categories: Background NPCs and Key NPCs.

These NPCs may only have one or two interactions with the Investigators or serve as victims to the horrors. All you really need for these characters is a memorable trait and a reason they’re in the environment and you’re good to go.

These NPCs are those that have a more active role, either through interacting regularly with the Investigators, or through a more direct link to the Horrors. As these are the folks that are going to have the biggest impact on the outcome of the scenario beyond the Investigators, it’ll be useful to spend some more time on determining who they are and their role within the scenario.

A Key NPC will typically have three elements that make them interesting and drive their behavior:

• Description: This includes their name, basic physical details, mannerisms, and their job/role in the setting. Players are generally only going to be able to remember a few key details, so this can be terse as long as the features are memorable.
• Goals: The character’s drives and outward motivations. This gets them moving in the setting. These are not static video game characters simply waiting around for the Investigators to interact.
• Secrets: Complications involving the character and their hidden motivations. The Investigators may never learn these secrets, but they will help direct drives and determine the character’s reactions to the events of the scenario.

• Faction Connections: How does this NPC relate to the various factions intertwined in the scenario? Who do they support and who do they oppose? Who do they turn to for help once things get out of hand?
• Horror Connections: Is this NPC directly linked to the Horror in any manner? How do they respond when the Horror becomes apparent?
• Social Connections: How does this NPC relate to their peers? Do they hold any irrational grudges? When danger comes calling, who would they rush to save and who would they leave behind?
• Jobs & Tasks: Is there anything they may want the Investigator’s direct help with? What do they have to offer for a job well done?

Reaction Tables can be used to help determine how an NPCs will react to a situation or the Investigators. Here is a sample distribution of reactions.

2d6 REACTIONS