Factions and NPC Leadership

Races

Faction Leadership

There are four main factions in Regisfall based in their respective cities across the map.

Race	Capital/Nation	NPC Leader	Player Leader
Humans	Edana/Mercadia	King Lando Nurindin	Councilman Arkais Varhgaust
Elves	Arandor/Arandor	Queen Ninvere Lanreci	Magistrate Brynloris Kral
Dwarves	Kargard/Karagard	Thane Rurin Stonehelm	None Appointed
Orcs	Burz'kal/Burz'kal	Warchief Gru'Rok	War Shaman Vor'Thul

NOTE: This table may be updated depending on changes that occur in game, driven by players and ongoing storylines.

Why NPC Leadership?

In the game world, leadership has transitioned to non-player characters (NPCs) to provide a stable and consistent framework for governance and world-building. This approach allows players to immerse themselves more fully in the aspects of the world they can directly influence, fostering an environment where their actions and choices drive the narrative. By placing the burden of overarching control in the hands of NPCs, the game offers a more dynamic and engaging experience, where players can focus on personal growth, local conflicts, and community building without the need for constant intervention from the gamemaster. This shift not only enhances story progression but also empowers players to shape their own destinies within the broader, consistently evolving world.

Who controls the NPC Leaders and how are they used?

In this game world, NPC leaders are controlled by the gamemaster when they need to make in-game appearances, but direct interactions with these leaders are neither guaranteed to every player nor to any player in particular. For the most part, the world itself functions as a character, with NPC leadership serving as narrative props that drive the overarching storyline. The actions and decisions of NPC leaders are shaped by the events and developments within the game, reacting to the evolving world and its influences. These responses are typically communicated downstream through player leaders or other internal channels, ensuring that the impact of these leaders is felt across the game world without requiring constant direct intervention. This structure allows players to remain focused on their sphere of influence, enhancing immersion and giving them the freedom to shape their own paths within a consistent and dynamic narrative framework.

Can Players Influence NPCs?

Yes, players can influence NPCs, but this influence is typically indirect and happens through their actions within the game world. While direct interaction with NPC leaders is rare and not guaranteed, the cumulative impact of player decisions, events, and power dynamics can shape the actions and policies of NPCs. For example, if players unite to address a major threat or rally around a significant cause, these movements can affect how NPC leaders respond, leading to changes in the game’s political landscape, resource allocation, or storyline progression. Influence over NPCs is communicated through in-game events, narrative shifts, or through the NPCs' emissaries, ensuring that player actions have meaningful consequences. This approach allows players to feel the weight of their decisions on a larger scale, subtly guiding the world’s direction while maintaining the stability and consistency provided by NPC leadership.

How can NPCs react?

NPCs react to player actions and in-game events in ways that align with their established personalities, goals, and the overall narrative of the world. Their reactions are guided by the gamemaster, who considers the current state of the game world, the actions taken by players, and the desired direction of the story. For instance, if players successfully unite factions to address a widespread crisis, an NPC leader might respond by offering support, altering policies, or acknowledging the players' efforts through decrees or rewards. Conversely, if players act against an NPC's interests or destabilize regions under their control, the NPC might impose stricter regulations, dispatch agents to intervene, or even retaliate in ways that increase the narrative tension. These reactions are often subtle and communicated indirectly, such as through changes in world events, the behavior of player and non-player characters, or new quests and challenges that emerge. The NPCs' responses are meant to reflect a living, evolving world that adapts to player influence while still maintaining the stability and overarching narrative direction set by the game's design.

Can NPCs be overthrown or changed?

Yes, but NPCs cannot be overthrown in the traditional sense. They are designed to provide a stable foundation for the game world and to guide the overarching narrative. While player actions can certainly influence and challenge NPCs, leading to changes in personnel, policies or responses, the complete removal or replacement of an NPC leader is not part of the game's structure. This limitation exists to maintain the balance and consistency of the world, ensuring that the narrative remains coherent and that all players can experience a dynamic yet stable environment. If players orchestrate significant in-game events that would realistically cause turmoil for an NPC leader, this might lead to shifts in the NPC's behavior, alliances, or decisions, or a change of the NPC itself, but there will always be NPC leadership going forward. The role of the NPCs is to evolve with the world, not to be removed by it, ensuring that the game retains its intended structure and focus.

Can players assume true leadership and supplant an NPC?

No. Players cannot supplant NPC leaders within the game. Past experiences have shown that such attempts can detract from the overall experience and create challenges in maintaining the world's narrative and stability. NPC leadership exists to provide a consistent and balanced framework, allowing players to engage with the world meaningfully without the obligations that come from leaving everything entirely in player hands. Gamemasters reserve the right to intervene if there is an apparent effort to seize control solely for personal ambition rather than narrative growth. If a player struggles to separate their personal aspirations from those of their character, the distinction will be enforced to preserve the integrity of the game world.

How are player leaders chosen?

Player leaders are chosen based on their contributions to the game world, their general activity level, and the recognition they receive from other players. This process typically unfolds organically as players immerse themselves in the world and actively engage with others to build and expand their factions. As these players demonstrate leadership qualities, contribute to the narrative, and foster community engagement, they are often nominated by those they interact with. This nomination reflects a collective acknowledgment of their role and efforts in shaping the game's social and political dynamics. By selecting leaders through this community-driven approach, the game ensures that those who take on leadership roles are deeply invested in the world and committed to enhancing the experience for all players.

Will Gamemasters intervene in player leadership disputes?

Gamemasters will only intervene in player leadership disputes if it becomes evident that the conflict has spilled over into out-of-character (OOC) issues. The game encourages in-character (IC) conflict and rivalry as part of its dynamic storytelling, allowing players to engage in political maneuvering, alliances, and power struggles. However, when these disputes start affecting player interactions outside the game world, creating personal tension or hostility, gamemaster intervention becomes necessary. The goal is to maintain a healthy and enjoyable environment for everyone, ensuring that conflicts remain within the realm of roleplay. If a situation escalates to the point where it compromises the game's integrity or player well-being, the gamemasters will step in to mediate and resolve the issue, helping players refocus on the shared narrative rather than personal disagreements.

What are my responsibilities as a player leader as far as staff is concerned?

Player leaders have an obligation to communicate with their groups and the game staff if they decide to quit the game, need to go on a planned or unplanned hiatus, or wish to step down from their leadership role. While reasonable accommodations can be made to support players during these transitions, it is important to recognize that the game world is fluid and constantly evolving. This environment does not pause for individual circumstances, as it is not a single-player game. If a player leader needs to step away, it is crucial to inform others using the available communication channels, such as Forums, Discord, or other contact methods. Given the variety of ways to reach out, there is little reason not to communicate your situation unless it's due to a sudden and unexpected event with extreme long term consequences. Failure to do so may result in the need to re-forge or re-roll your character upon returning, depending on how your absence impacts the game world. The goal is to ensure continuity for the players and the evolving narrative, and maintaining open lines of communication is key to achieving this.