I assume we make new topics according to what we mean ^^
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@Hera, I knwo we discussed some of this over MSN, but I just felt like posting it, for easier discussion, and perhaps new ideas might be formed due to feedback..
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This basically works in one of a number of ways.
[Lets assume there are a list of players, that are avalible for the NPC service.]

1. One can 'hire' a player, to play a pre-made character that any one have made from before.
2. One can 'hire' a player to play a character that is made for a spesific situation in a spesific RP. Example: Arena opponents, Temporary enemies, random pedestrians of importance.
3. One can also make it so that a player, can make a shit-load of characters, and have then linked. And a player, can borrow one of said characters, to play them in a RP for a limited time.

In the case of option 1; one cna basically ask anyone that is listed, to use any of their pre-made characters, to act as a NPC in a specific situation in any RP. Off course the player have to agree to do this, and the situation have to be explained.
Example

• One asks Hera, to play his character Felldoh as an arena opponent.
  If so, they must decide who will win if that has any relevance to the storyline that the 'renter' has in mind. Unless it should be battled out as normal.
  In this case, Hera decides if he feels his carter is up for it. Or not. this is a decision for the char owner to decide if he feels the character would do as asked in any case.
  Like it would not make sense, to ask a pacifist to be an arena opponent.

In the case of option 2; one will state what role the char will have, and make a mini bio, if not a complete one, that is made for the desired role.
This can be anything. But often one could assume; Specific enemies, temporary sidekicks/partners, unique merchants, Leaders of random armies. Etc.
Example:

• One asks the listed players to play "this" character. The character has to be linked, or posted in that post. And explain the relevance he has to anything. It also have to be explain how he will enter, and leave, if that is of any relevance. In specific cases, the "Entry" might be rather important.
  In this case, any random player might take on the role of said NPC. More like the first one to read it, can choose to take on the role, or not.

In the case of option 3; Lets now assume my list for the sake of argument.
This list, have the same characters as displayed in my Hall of Heroes topic, it is just simpler to look through.

• In this case, the 'renter' chooses a character, and asks the owner of it in a topic, if it is ok to use that char for [insert NPC job here].
  In this case, the 'renter' have to poste one, or several, examples on how they would play said character, to show the owner that they would indeed play out the character according to the personality stated, and not change it.
  This is important, since the maker of a character ,might have put in a lot of thought into this, and if the character is original, then the owner sorta has an unofficial copyright over said char.

In any of these cases. There might have to be a 'NPC service' where the players that are willing are listed. And the characters avalible for option 3 are listed. As they might be made to a lower level of detail, then normal.

This is what I have for now.
Hera: Feel free to post up anything if I missed, or misunderstood your part of the idea.

Interesting idea, you guys should run with it!

My only concerns would be how comfortable an RPer would be letting someone else use there Character. This is basically approved God-Moding.

I've got some mixed feelings about this one but it couldn't hurt to try!

I also liked one thing in particular that you said:

Two things here, one I really don't believe story lines apply to Arena battles. Not to say that they don't exist just that they don't usually work out very well, or they end up very disheveled and thrown together.

And two, you touched on one of my next experimentations. The 'decide the outcome/outline a match' idea. Which will have two combatants flip a proverbial coin and decide who wins then together write a story based on that.

Deciding an outcome gives you a bonded sense of direction....or it could possibly constrict the freedom of writing one feels, the rush of not knowing whats next...I'm uncertain (thats why I want to test it.)

Good luck to you on this idea!

Well, in this case, it will not be G-modding. As the 'renter' will be in 100% control
he is literally lending the character. So the owner has no control of said char, in said RP.
This is why I suggested making a list of char's, that is not ones own.
To make up for this.

Well, this is if the 'renter's' victory is a part of something larger.
say, the renter needs an opponent, that can guarantee him winning, since hte aren prize might be an item of great importance of the storyline.

This idea does not work in RPB's off course.
it is only a temporary thing in ORPG, or URPG's

Well, I sorta explained this above.

Thanks. ^^


This NPC idea is only to help some RPs move on, and perhaps make it easier on some players, that are not used to, or feel secure enough to, take control over multiple characters.
Perhaps in one RP, they all want an item that a merchant have
perhaps a NPC 'rental' thing can be done to make that work
as the NPC player can take on the role of the Merchant, to get an objective side of things.

If one things about this, this service can have many areas of usage.
and sadly, some exploitable areas as well.
but it is up to the final "product" (IF it gets used) to make sure that don't happen.
As a set of rules will eb erected if it gets used.

I do remember talking about this with Throttle, and I do believe it's a good idea. I'm just going to give my feedback on each option.

Option #1 & #2: I think you will see the most activity in these areas. I think it's rather safe to say that most RPers like having a 'partner in crime.' If an RPer is aware of the skills of another, I can see them wanting to borrow them for an RP.

Option #3: Though it is a good idea, I'm not too sure how often it will be used. The reason I say this, is a lot of RPers might feel as though it's more of a challenge to 'live up to the expectations' of playing someone else's character, as opposed to just creating their own. I know I'd be hesitant to play another skilled RPers character, because I'd be too concerned about playing the character correctly.

I just think that the first two options would see the most use in RPs, especially since the whole point of RPing is for the interactive factor to it. RPers would rather have someone else on their team, than feel like they're RPing with themselves by taking on someone else's character.

Those are just my two cents. I really like the NPC Rental idea, but I just think it'd be best to employ the first two options.

As for placement of this idea, I think it'd be best in 'The Dojo,' since that's the heart of the RPer training.

yeah, I agree about the 3rd option.
I just felt like adding it, since Hera mentioned something about it.
And it IS a valid choice. but as you stated, I too am rather sure that it will be the 2 first that will have 95% of the 'usage'

I have already tested this "service" at a lesser RP forum, and I have seen it at several forums
Some using it more then others.
In any case, the 2 first options are the ones that enters the classification of NPC 'rental'
The 3rd choice, enters "im too lazy to make a char, Ill borrow yours" state.
and as you state, many will hesitate, since they might not live up to the expectations.
In any case, this is an idea, that might take on, or it might be ignored. So, if it is to be used, I dont htink it is a good thing if I take it alone for example. It sorta have to be implemented to the RP system.
As we have approval issues.
As it is a NPC, normally it wont need approval
but, in this case, it is so much more, os it might need something anyway.

Just so I make sure that I understand, you mean that if the idea is to be implemented, it should be carried out by Throttle and I, and integrated into the system? That's obviously fine with us. You've done enough work already just by posting up the detailed proposal.

Not nessesairily just you 2
One can make a list, of those hat volunteers
but if so, one have to "filter out" the ones that you mods, feel are good enough to do this.

So, if Julius volunteers, he is a good RP'er, and I would let him join.
As would I do if Hera was a member.
I'm sorry, but I have not RP'ed with you, so I can not vouch for you, but I assume you have skills ,or you would not be mod.
And Hera have vouched for you on several occasions ^^

So. I would like to sign up if it gets entered.
and one should have a list of a few NPC players, as nto everyone have time to RP, at any given time.

So, in the end, it is up to you mods now this will work.
As I'm the bringer if the idea. You have to form the other rules, based on how you see that it would work the best, in favor of your system.

Ah, okay. That makes sense. We would definitely have a screening for RPers. We'll be doing the same thing for our 'Mentor Program,' once we're able to get that implemented. I do believe screening for NPCs would be rather easy though, if RPers choose to use one of their already-approved character bios. We'll likely split up the NPCs into sections, as well.

For example: NPCs that were designed with battling in mind will be in a 'Battle Category.' Whereas, characters that were created more for storyline use will be placed under a 'URPG/ORPG' category. Do you have any objections to that idea?

Nah, it seems logical