Guide to NPCing at Mournfall
- mournfallmarketing
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
Credit to Jenn Woods for the foundation of this article.
So, you’ve decided to NPC — fantastic! Whether you’re volunteering for a single four-hour shift, joining your first full event, or diving into a whole season of storytelling, welcome to the heart of Mournfall. NPCs are what transform a forest and a few tents into a living world of mystery, danger, and horror.
Your goal as an NPC is simple: make the players’ stories shine. NPCing isn’t about proving your strength or stealing the spotlight — it’s about helping others have unforgettable moments. Behind the scenes, Shapers and Marshals act as the directors: they design the story, NPCs bring it to life, and players write the ending. Together, we create something far greater than any one person could alone.
1. You Keep the World Running
Every NPC adds energy, depth, and motion to the game. You’re not just “helping out” — you’re helping Mournfall come alive. Each shift NPC means better scenes, faster mod turnover, and fewer idle moments for everyone. You are an essential part of the magic that players experience.
2. You Get Perks and Rewards
NPCing is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the game. NPC for a full weekend and your game is free! Costuming and weapons are provided, and every shift earns frags you can trade for rare races, skills, or cool perks for your PC.
You’ll also learn the rulebook inside and out, getting firsthand experience with combat, magic, and roleplay. Want to practice swordplay? Curious about alchemy or spellcasting? NPCing lets you try it all.
3. It’s a Social Experience
NPC Camp is a lively, creative hub full of laughter, teamwork, and shared stories. You’ll meet new people, learn from veterans, and maybe even form the best pack of gnolls or rowdiest bandits the field has ever seen. Between mods, there’s time to relax, eat, and recharge with friends who love the game as much as you do.
4. Respect NPC Camp
NPC Camp is our backstage — the heart of production. Treat it like a shared workspace, not a lounge. Keep voices low, clean up after yourself, and put things back where they belong. Food and garbage attract squirrels, so keep things tidy!
No roughhousing or weapon practice in camp, and never touch props, tags, or loot drawers unless asked by a Shaper or Marshal. Phones are fine while in camp, but tuck them away once you’re in costume. Most importantly: what happens in NPC Camp stays in NPC Camp. Spoilers and story details should never leave camp. Let players discover them in-game.
5. Stay Focused and Be Helpful
NPC Camp can get busy fast. While it’s tempting to hang out and chat, remember that staff are constantly managing the flow of the game. Stay attentive, listen when a Shaper or Marshal speaks, and don’t talk over them.
If you’re not prepping for a mod, look for small ways to help: tidy up, organize props, reset the makeup area, or check if someone needs a hand. The smoother camp runs, the more content we can deliver to players in the field.
If you manage a physical disability or other condition that may prevent you from being active around cleaning up and tidying in camp, the best thing you can do is just sit quietly and wait for instructions.
6. Have Fun (the NPC Way)
NPC fun comes from different rewards than player fun. You’re not chasing loot or personal victories; your satisfaction comes from creating great moments for others. It’s seeing a player’s eyes light up when a scene lands perfectly, or watching a tense fight turn into an unforgettable story.
Sometimes that means losing a battle, dying dramatically, or letting players win the day, and that’s okay! Dramatic defeats make for great storytelling. A “successful” NPC is one that gives players a memorable experience, not one who racks up kills.
7. Remember: NPCs Serve the Story
Whether you’re a recurring villain or a one-time creature in the woods, your NPC isn’t your character, it’s part of the story. NPCs lift up the players’ experience, not compete with it.
Sometimes you’ll take their items or deal them serious setbacks. When you do, make it meaningful. Ensure those defeats serve a larger narrative purpose and always give players agency in how their story continues. NPCs provide challenges, not punishments, and the best ones make every player feel like the hero of their own tale.
