PSA: NPC usage, OOC posts in IC forums

['Souls Assemblage]

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Public Service Annoucement: Use of NPCs, in particular Pack and Event NPCs As many of you have probably noticed, use of NPCs of all types is becoming more widespread at 'Souls! This is pretty interesting since use of NPCs gives players more options and flexibility regarding individual and pack plots and allows for the organization of larger events like the Winter Festival to occur more easily. Unfortunately, we're running into more and more confusing and potentially complicated situations where we feel NPCs are being used in a manner that probably shouldn't be allowed, but there are no clear guidelines regarding such usage yet. In some cases, use of NPCs can be interpreted as intentionally sidestepping existing policies via loopholes or lack of clarity. We are working on overhauling our NPC procedures and guidelines to better address the multitude of different situations where NPCs might be utilized. In addition to providing more clear information regarding pack and event NPCs, we hope to simplify existing policies regarding personal and temporary plot NPCs so players may more easily use them. In the meantime, we ask that all players please keep the following in mind: Mahavites and the other traders at the Winter Festival, while NPCs, will not tolerate excessive violence on festival grounds. Offenders would realistically be thrown out, and to assume otherwise, or to state that no one noticed, would be powerplaying the environment. This is similar to our rules on trespassing pack territories. Your character is allowed to be violent at the festival, but please RP as if Mahavites responds accordingly. If you want your character to act out and then attempt to fight Mahavites or otherwise resist, you must plot with festival organizers specifically. Violence towards NPCs in general should be done with care, especially if the act takes place on or near pack territories. Realistically, IC leaders would notice dead bodies lying around, so it is your job to OOCly inform them beforehand so they may inform you of potential consequences. Fights with NPCs, played or assumed, should be handled as realistically as possible, just as with any other fight. Be careful not to lapse into godmode. Just because there isn't another player to dictate whether your character's attacks hit or miss does not mean that your character can land every blow. Thanks for your patience while we hash out the new NPC guidelines. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to respond here or PM us!

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