Streamlining Exalted NPCs

[SagaciousAscendingHero]

I'm finding that in running Exalted games, my biggest problem is keeping track of NPCs and charm use. Its hard enough deciding turn by turn what charm to use when playing and I just dont have the brain power to deal with this on a multi-person scale and not have combat last hours and hours.


So what I'm trying to find is an easy way to handle all those NPCs that have charms, without them looking too pathetic (ie not up to snuff power wise)

 

[Silence In Daylight]

It means quite a bit of work, but working out a battle plan beforehand for major NPCs is worth it. Set up their options, based on what the NPC would realistically anticipate the PCs to do. No need to get too complicated, unless the NPC somehow has access to the PCs' likely combat tactics. In that case, planning attacks and defenses that neutralize the PCs' strengths and pinpoint their weaknesses is called for. Otherwise, your NPCs will never perform as well as they could, if you have to plan combat on the fly for them.


 Even for minor charm-using combatants, setting up a basic essence-expenditure plan will save you and your players a lot of time.

 

[Forn Clakes]

This is also something i've had trouble with, and found that by writing out the Charms in shorthand, focusing on when they would be used, really helped alot.  


Takes a bit of planning mind.


~FC.

 

[Flagg]

I tend to only write down the Charms that I think are actually going to be used in combat, and ignore the rest. I then split this list into scene-long Charms, reflexive Charms, and Other, with a quick note next to each Charm listing the cost and the effect. I also make u a few Combos, and pre-calculate the costs.


Finally, if this character is going to have a few turns to prepare before the fight, I figure out all of the buffs they'd have on and debit their essence and willpower pools accordingly.


This method requires a littel prep, but is really quick and effective once it's in play.


-S