So you’re interested in being an NPC! Great! This is a very simple way to get your feet wet in the game and build friendships with a ton of people at the same time!
Here are the key pieces you should think and know about:
Things to Prepare in Advance
If you’re NPCing, there isn’t much you need to worry about in advance. You might want to read the combat rules once or twice, but you’ll go over them in Monster Camp, so it’s not vital. You may also want to learn some of the basic calls, but only if you have time and interest. Like with the combat rules, all of this will be addressed in Monster Camp before you begin.
You will also want to run through our packing list. Grab the things needed/recommended for NPCs, but don’t worry too much about the rest of the things. It’s a pretty small list, all things considered.
The biggest and most important thing to prepare for NPCing the first time is your attitude! You are going to be thrust into a situation that many can find overwhelming (honestly, this is true for both PCs and NPCs, but the NPCs feel it more acutely, in my experience), and it may feel a little intense for the first 24 hours. THIS IS TOTALLY NORMAL. If you come into game ready to be confused and have a good time, you’ll do fine! You will need to learn a LOT on Friday night, and it will probably feel anxiety-inducing at times, but I promise, no one will be angry at you if you follow the few simple rules we’ll lay out in Monster Camp - ask questions freely, do your very best, and when in doubt - fall over and “die”. You will start to get the hang of it Saturday afternoon, and, while you won’t probably feel like a pro until your 2nd or 3rd game, we will get you there!
Keep in mind that this is true of EVERYONE who has ever played this game - we have all been overwhelmed by the rules at times, and struggled with these things. People in Monster Camp will help you through, just come with a good attitude and a desire to learn, and you’ll have accomplished most of what you need to accomplish to be successful.