NPC SHIFT GUIDE

Each player in Dystopia Rising serves a “Casting Shift”, or an “NPC Shift” during an event to help us tell the story of the weekend. During this time, you’ll play a “Non-Player Character”, or NPC. The rulebook calls this an “Extra”, but the terms are interchangeable. While as an NPC, you might get to be a terrifying zombie, a merchant selling critical supplies, or a deadly raider, but no matter the role, you’ll be a critical part of the action. Many players tell us that NPC shift is their favorite part of the event and it’s a fun look “behind the scenes.”

Here’s some tips for your first NPC Shift:

Where to go:

  • You’ll get your NPC shift assigned at Check-In. When it’s your turn, you’ll report to the Hopi Lodge, called the “Grave Council Annex” in game on our map, that you can find HERE.

Things to Bring:

  • NPC Clothes: Come wearing all black clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a non-descript base layer under the NPC clothes we provide. They will get sweaty, dirty and have makeup on them by the end. It’s okay if you don’t have all black clothing for your first event though — the main goal is make sure that your NPC won’t be confused for your character. Just come with a change of clothes that is distinct from your other gear.

  • Your character sheet. We will sign off on your sheet once you’ve completed your NPC shift, so make sure you bring this with you to Ops.

things that are nice to have, but not necessary

  • A water bottle. It’s Texas, after all! We will have water and cups available if you don’t have one, but it’s nice not to have to use a tiny disposable cup if you can help it.

  • A red flashlight. If you are on a night-time Casting shift, consider bringing a light source you can use without killing your night vision. Flashlights with red LEDs can be purchased at most outdoor stores and even places like the camping section at Walmart.

  • A watch. We will often give our NPCs and Guides a rough time to be out in the world during an event or module, so it can be helpful to keep track of time during the shift. Once you get back to Ops, we will have the next module ready to go!

Things to Not Bring:

  • Anything you mind being lost: Things in Ops tend to be picked up by other NPC’s assuming it is a game prop. So don’t bring your characters gear or a favorite jacket, and make sure you keep track of important real world items like your wallet or cell phone.

What To Expect:

  • You will come to the Ops room where you will be “Out Of Character”.

  • You should check in with the Storyteller and Guides so they know you are there.

  • You will be asked to play many roles over the next few hours to help provide an amazing experience for others. These will not be like the character(s) you would normally play, so please keep that in mind.

  • You will put on different costumes, masks, makeup, hats and carry many weapons. Each of these new characters will be explained to you by the Guides. Please ask questions if you don’t understand an instruction or need help with a rule. We are here to help!

  • Many of the roles you play will be involved in boffer combat and physical activities. If you have some restrictions for activity, please let the Guide know so they can assign an appropriate non-combat role for your Casting Shift.

tips for success DURING YOUR NPC SHIFT 

Dystopia Rising is a Role Playing event, and NPCing is a chance to stretch your role playing muscles and try on some new hats. Non-Player Characters are a great chance to try out a new way of acting, a new way of walking, a new way of talking. 

meet your Guide

Before you go out with a group of NPC’s make sure you know who the Guide going out with you is, if there is one. Learn their name and what they look like. You might need to find them in a chaotic combat situation. If you get lost, or lose your group, don’t be afraid to return to Ops.

Ask questions before you go out

The Guides will do their best to make you informed of what it is they want you to do on the module, but that doesn’t mean they will hit every point you need. Let them tell you the plan and if after there is still a question, please ask it. Don’t be shy, several others are likely thinking it or will also like to know. Also if you are not comfortable with something, tell the Guide immediately!

It’s everyone’s first game sometime

Be kind to one another. We are going to make mistakes, and it’s the first live game for someone out there. No matter your experience, no matter who you meet in the field, assume it’s their first game and give them the benefit of the doubt, grace when someone makes a mistake, and assume positive intent always!

playing to lose and the NPC Role

As an NPC, you are meant to LOSE. Period.  The other characters are the heroes of this story. You don’t “win” at an NPC shift when you kill a character, you “win” when folks are having fun. When you are on shift, your goal is to provide a memorable and fun experience for your friends, so that when it comes time for their turn as an NPC they return the favor and provide that fun in the future.  

Everyone Shambles

While it can be fun to be the Big Bad Monster, those bad guys are given context by the minions around them.  You’ll get your chance to be that special monster, and we’ll try our best to make sure everyone has that opportunity. So for that reason, everyone, no matter your experience, rank, or preference gets to be a Shambler at some point!  

What happens in Ops stays in Ops

We call this the “Vegasia Rules”. Once you leave the shift, don’t talk about what stuff happened on shift.  Save the surprises for later, after the game is over.  Make sure you also don’t take any frustrations or challenges from the shift out into the world with you when you leave, and don’t bring it with you when you come to shift.

Clean Up as You Go!

After every fight, clean your space. Collect packets or nerf darts that were used in the fight if you can. When you get back to Ops, help disinfect masks, clean up the make stations, and discard any trash that has accumulated.  Try to leave your area better than you found it!

practice Self Care

Take the time to eat, drink water, and rest for at least an hour before your time on NPC. If you run until you are exhausted, don’t eat, or don’t drink for 12 hours then head to Ops for NPC you are going to become sick, exhausted, or hurt yourself. You will know what time you need to be there so at least an hour before take the time to be ready.

The Guides will ask you to get involved in mods, put on makeup and costuming, but only you know what is best for you. If you hurt yourself on the last mod and they send you back out on a combat mod, or if they ask you to get dressed up like a zombie and you are allergic to makeup it is up to you to speak up. The Guides will be more than happy to accommodate your needs, but can only do so if they are made aware.

Get off camera!!

When you are dead, remove yourself from play. This means out of sight from the other players. This is to remove you from combat as well as from the eye line of the other players. Find the nearest tree, a dark shadow, and try to move out of the way.

When you put your hand on your head this is a symbol that you are “Out Of Character”, but a better indication for this is if you are just not visible. This doesn’t mean you need to run a mile off, look for your Guide and try to be low key. If you lose your group, don’t be afraid to return to Ops unless the Guide informed you otherwise.

try something new

Your Casting Shift is a great chance for you to try new things with no consequences for your character. Get a fuller experience by stepping in to different roles and volunteering for different roles in modules. Try to stretch your role-play skills and muscles and ask questions. It is also a great way to get to know your fellow players as people, rather than just their characters. We are excited to see you in Ops!