VNPCs

The concept of a vNPC, or "virtual non-player character", is one that players new to RPI MUDs often have difficulty with. Nonetheless, they are a vitally important element in any roleplay, so please read on if you have any questions and feel free to ask the staff if necessary.

A step removed from an NPC, vNPCs are called "virtual" because they are not actually represented in-game with a mob. Examples of these include the people that would be hustling and bustling around a busy market square during the day, the numerous soldiers going back and forth in a crowded barracks room, or even other patrons in a tavern your character is frequenting. The key to determining whether there are any vNPCs present is a careful reading of the room's description; if it seems like a place where there would be people coming and going during the current time your PC is in the room, then you can safely say there are vNPCs present.

vNPCs are vital because it allows the game to retain continuity and realism within the game setting without requiring that every single living individual in a village of 20,000 be concretely represented. Not only would this get quite spammy and unpleasant for the player, but it would also soak up an immense amount of system resources.

An effective and conscientious roleplayer will take into account the presence of these virtual NPCs when conducting their PC; it's easy enough to do when you remember that the room's description is the key. In other words - read carefully!