Question about npc rp and cutscenes

I am someone who enjoys engaging npcs in the story when I can, especially if the powers that be enjoy roleplaying as them.

Is there a mechanic for engaging in rp with npcs and/or inviting them to partake in cutscenes?

Yep, it's the same way you'd invite a PC to a cutscene or RP with them. :) There will hopefully be a few NPCs on the ship in alpha phase, and you'll probably get to know them and interact with them in ways that can change the plot. 

Especially in the beginning, you'll probably have to have some NPC contacts in organizations you might want to join, or magical mentors, or things like that -- and in the case of a player-character needing an NPC that doesn't exist yet, we'll probably just make that NPC and establish contact in order to address that character's story.

Nice! Definitely experimenting with that.
Hot tip for anyone else that wanders in here, don't try to start a cutscene inviting someone you haven't recog'd yet without staff intervention... it does a scary :D