While we're not currently expanding the PC limit for players, we decided it would be more fun all around to allow some players to play NPCs sometimes -- as support characters, to help other characters' stories along. This could be like a story-helper role, not necessarily with any staff privileges beyond that. For the players, it could be fun to have an alternative 'character' to play, even one who was not pursuing their own stories, who might be able to explore things that your main character can't (such as different crafting abilities).
Each of these SNPCs would have a role, in terms of a story goal that they should be trying to accomplish, and a light background and concept. They would have a mask (the appearance they show to the public) and a mien (their interior self). If you started playing a SNPC and didn't enjoy it, you could store them back as a normal NPC.
If anyone is interested in playing a supporting NPC (a SNPC), you can check the new documentation for the SNPC command, and apply for a SNPC. Caveats to remember from this post, though --
Support NPCs...
- ... will not be able to have their own stories addressed by staff.
- ... are there to help with the stories of others', rather than their own, and all alt rules still apply.
- ... do not have documented setting lore to help with their backgrounds.
- ... exist to help lessen the storytelling load, and provide more interesting stuff for players.
- ... may come across more weird, unfinished stuff than normal for alpha.
- ... might be set up for you to play in the same way as a PC, but are still NPCs and would remain in the world when logged off.
- ... are a trial feature we're setting up, and we might roll it back or choose to expand the feature, depending on how it works out.
- ... are limited in terms of how many we'll be accepting at first, and obviously it won't be possible to play a SNPC that is too closely related to any of your PC's interests.
Any suggestions and ideas are welcome!