If SouCon only had as many people living on it as there are created characters on the mush, there would be perhaps three or four hundred people living on this vast, lush continent. Fortunately, there are Non-Player Characters (NPCs) to make up the difference in actual numbers! These are all the background characters, relatives you rarely see, the much-needed numbers of drudges, and the numerous people who help make Hold, Crafthall, and Weyr function. Only ranked NPCs require formal permission to use on a regular basis.

Non player characters (NPCs) provide richness to Roleplay, as the southern continent is populated with far more people than we could ever have players to play. SouCon has an official policy on the use of NPCs as follows:

NPCS POSTED TO PC AREAS

All posted non-player characters need to be approved by both groups sending them out and the group taking them in. Either group can initiate, but the other can veto. A week's time is required for approval and for NPC creation. If both sides disagree about the NPC, then the Wizards will step in and discuss the situation, providing an answer within 72 hours.

GENERAL RP EMITS

Emits for general Roleplay are not restricted though preference should always be given to a PC. If, however, no suitable PC is available or wishes to RP, then a posted NPC should be used. If no posted NPC is available, then a one-time-use NPC that is not a leadership-type (i.e. WW, WL, CM, C2, LH) can be employed instead. General purpose emits should conform to NEWS CANON and NEWS BEHAVIOR, and should be minimal. If the permission of an appropriate council is given, however, leadership NPCs can be used in general emits.

NPCS IN BACKGROUNDS

The use of NPCs in backgrounds is not restricted as long as they are canon and are not area leaders (WL, WW, CM, C2, LH), and the use of them in RP should conform to NEWS CANON, NEWS BEHAVIOR, and NEWS NPC. If the permission of an appropriate council is given, however, leadership NPCs can be used in character backgrounds.

All IC areas on the Northern Continent are considered NPC areas on this game, and the use of said areas on this game fall under the jurisdiction of the Wizards. As well, NPCs from off camera (NPC) Weyrs must be cleared with the Weyr Council, which will notify the Wizards of NPC Weyr usage.

For more information on NPCs, see '+help NPC'.