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RPG98 › Design Docs › NPCs — NPCs in the Hub & Tavern

RPG98 Design Document

Page 3: NPCs in the Hub & Tavern

Overview

The NPCs in Blackthorn Hollow are hardened survivors who have carved out a fragile existence on the edge of danger. Each has a distinct personality and role that reinforces the gritty fantasy tone and gives players quick, useful interactions between runs. All dialogue is short and skippable to respect the Miyoo’s small screen and fast-paced sessions.

The NPCs

Grim — Tavern Owner & Bartender

Quote: “The only thing more dangerous than the dungeons is hope.”

Grim is a burly, one-armed ex-extractor who runs the only tavern in Blackthorn Hollow. He lost his arm on a bad run years ago and now serves as bartender and informal information broker. His tavern is the social heart of the outpost — dimly lit with long tables, a roaring hearth, and walls covered in old weapons and faded maps.

Role: Sells basic potions and simple food. Shares rumors and occasional hints about daily/weekly tasks. Personality: Dry, sarcastic, and world-weary, but respects competence. Sample Dialogue:

  • “Another one came back breathing. Miracles still happen.”
  • “Heard the Rift shifted again. If you’re going in, don’t trust the pretty lights.”
  • “You actually brought something good back this time. Don’t let it go to your head.”

Mira — Stash Keeper (The Ironvault)

Quote: “Everything you bring back is someone else’s lost future.”

Mira is a quiet, meticulous woman in her late thirties who manages the Ironvault. She treats every piece of extracted gear with almost religious care after losing her partner on a brutal run.

Role: Stores and organizes all successfully extracted items. Allows players to view, equip, and manage their stash. Personality: Professional, soft-spoken, and slightly melancholic. Sample Dialogue:

  • “This one survived the trip. Not many do.”
  • “Take care of what you bring back. It’s all we have left of those who didn’t.”
  • “You actually extracted a Legendary… I haven’t seen one of these in months.”

Bargus Crowe — Vendor & Trader

Quote: “I’ll buy your junk and sell you hope — at a fair markup.”

Bargus Crowe is a one-eyed, grizzled trader who runs Crowe’s Tradehouse and the outdoor market stalls. He has been in Blackthorn Hollow longer than almost anyone.

Role: Buys unwanted loot and sells basic supplies, potions, and low-tier gear. Also oversees the Scavenger Exchange (auction house). Personality: Greedy but surprisingly fair. Loves haggling and telling exaggerated stories. Sample Dialogue:

  • “That’s barely worth the wood it’s made from, but I’ll take it.”
  • “You brought back something decent this time. Don’t spend it all in one place.”
  • “Business is good when fools like you keep coming back alive.”

Veyra — Aether Forge Operator

Quote: “Magic doesn’t care if you live or die. I do… sometimes.”

Veyra is a mysterious woman with an unsettling presence who operates the Aether Forge. She has deep knowledge of the strange magic found in the dungeons.

Role: Handles socket/unsocket/combine actions and allows players to craft new augments using Aether, Crux, and dungeon components. Personality: Quiet, cryptic, and slightly unsettling. Speaks in short, riddle-like sentences. Sample Dialogue:

  • “Three slots… rare. Don’t waste them on weak stones.”
  • “The Aether remembers what you feed it. Choose carefully.”
  • “That one almost killed the last fool who tried to force it.”

Captain Thorne — Gate Warden

Quote: “If you’re not ready, don’t waste my time.”

Captain Thorne is a retired fighter who oversees the Dungeon Portal and queue system. He gives last-minute warnings to those heading out.

Role: Manages queue selection (PvE-only or PvPvE) and portal operation modes (Unstable, Stable, Empowered). Personality: Stoic, no-nonsense, and direct. Has little patience for bravado but respects those who return successfully. Sample Dialogue:

  • “PvPvE today? Try not to stab each other before you even reach the gate.”
  • “You look ready. Don’t prove me wrong.”
  • “Last group that went in didn’t come back. Just so you know.”

Design Notes for NPCs

  • Dialogue Style: Maximum 2–3 short lines per interaction. Skippable at any time.
  • Visuals: Static sprites using Super Retro Roguelike character assets, with selective darker recoloring from ELV where appropriate.
  • Purpose: Provide flavor, mechanical services (trading, crafting, tasks), and light hints without heavy lore or long conversations.
  • Respawn Interaction: After death, NPCs may offer short, context-aware lines acknowledging the failure.

Version 0.2 • April 2026