5.0.0 Antagonists and NPCs

This section gives rules for creating NPC statistics and handling common encounters. Each of the NPCs and creatures listed in the following sections are given a default stat block. These blocks are meant to represent a typical person of their type; individuals will doubtless vary as the situation recommends. Each of the stat lines are described below.

• HD: The hit dice of the NPC, along with their average hit points. If they’re wearing armor that has Damage Soak, these bonus hit points are noted as well, such as “5 HP+2” for someone wearing armor with 2 points of Damage Soak.
• AC: Both ranged and melee AC are noted here, accounting for any cyber or armor they may have.
• TT: The NPC’s Trauma Target is given here, modified for any cyber, armor, or Edges they have.
• Skill: The default total skill bonus applied to any skill check the NPC would reasonably be good at. Thus, if a burglar with a Skill of +2 had to make a Sneak check, they’d roll 2d6+2.
• Save: An NPC only has one saving throw, rolled for all types of saves. By default, it’s equal to their hit dice divided by two, rounded down, and subtracted from 15.
• Atk: The NPC’s ranged and melee attack bonuses, taking into account any cyber or Foci they may have. An NPC’s base attack bonus is usually equal to their hit dice plus a plausible level of combat skill. Some wild beasts may get more than one attack from a single Main Action. This multiattack is represented by a “x2” or “x3” notation.
• Dmg: For creatures, this is the damage their natural fangs or claws may do. NPCs use damage of the weapon they’re currently wielding, as noted in their gear entry.
• Shock: The Shock damage the NPC’s usual melee attack does. Shock that applies to “Any” AC pierces anything short of Shock immunity from shields, Foci, or some cyber systems.
• Move: The number of meters the NPC can move in a single Move action.
• ML: The Morale score of the NPC. When a Morale check is forced by events, they must roll 2d6. If they roll over their Morale score, they break and begin to retreat, surrender, or otherwise flee.
• Danger Value: A rough estimate of the NPC’s lethality in personal combat, as per page 193.
• Gear: The armor and weaponry the NPC carries on a regular basis. Powerful or well-connected NPCs may use modded gear as explained in section 2.8.2. Incidental equipment is not listed; corp cops will have radios, first aid kits, handcuffs, and other minor items that fit their job role. NPCs may switch out armor or weapons if they expect trouble or are preparing for a major fight.

GMs should add in the effects of any cyber the NPCs are using to their stat line, and make a brief note of its effects for reference during play.

5.1.0 Reaction Rolls

When the PCs encounter someone, the GM should make a reaction roll. This roll is 2d6 modified by the Charisma modifier of the PC spokesman or face.

The reaction will be keyed to the situation. A socialite braced at a nightclub who rolls a low reaction won’t physically attack the PCs, but they can’t expect much courtesy from her. An assassin with a good reaction might still be hired to kill the PC, but could offer to accept a counter-bid from them instead. It’s up to the GM to decide why the reaction worked out the way it did.

5.2.0 Morale Checks

Every NPC combatant has a Morale score ranging from 2 to 12. The higher the score, the calmer and more determined the fighter is while under enemy fire. An NPC with a Morale score of 2 will flee at the slightest threat to their lives, while one with a Morale of 12 will fight until the last flicker of hope is gone, or to the death if their cause is important enough.

Some combat events will force a Morale check on NPCs. To make this check, the GM rolls 2d6 and compares it to their Morale scores; if the roll is equal or higher than their score, they break. What that means will depend on the situation and their level of training, but it always means that they want to get away from the fight as rapidly as possible.

PCs do not have Morale scores and do not ever need to make Morale checks. They fight or flee as the players decide, regardless of the situation.

5.2.1 Morale Check Situations

A group of NPCs usually needs to make a Morale check under the following circumstances. Other situations might force one as well at the GM’s discretion.

• One of their allies just died. The first blood of an encounter can crack the resolve of a group, even if they’re otherwise stronger or more numerous.
• More than half of their allies are dead or down. Most groups will have rationally retreated long before this level of casualties, but even desperate or oblivious fighters might crack at this point.
• They seem likely to lose. Even if they haven’t suffered crippling casualties yet, if a rational fighter doesn’t expect to win a fight, they may well choose to leave it.
• Some dramatic reverse just happened. If a CASRA suddenly swoops down and starts blasting a gang mob or their target wheels around to rip the head off their boss, the first instinct of the gangers is going to be flight. If some shocking loss is suffered the group will need to check Morale.

Usually these Morale checks will be rolled with an unmodified 2d6. A GM can tweak this slightly, with a 1 or 2 point bonus or penalty for exceptionally dramatic displays or ambiguous situations, but any modifier larger than that is likely to result in pre-ordained success or failure.

5.3.0 Animals

5.4.0 Corp Guards and Law Enforcement

5.5.0 Gangers and Criminals

5.6.0 Hackers and Pilots