@ArmouredWizard Forgive me for seeming blunt but...this seems like a prime candidate for "no duh, really?"
What antagonistic GM/DM doesn't do this?
@TheToblin I've seen it a lot, and heard of many such tables (hence the post).
Not all of it is directly antagonistic, but often a symptom/knock-on-effect from other issues.
(Many "Tips" may seem obvious to people who already use them. Your table may vary.)
@ArmouredWizard Fair enough. And as you say, it does sound very obvious as not doing this would limit the player's freedom, immersion and agency a lot.
So you're right, I'm probably "home blind" :)
@TheToblin The Tip was actually directly inspired by a friend (a good, if inexperienced, GM), saying "I think I need to make my NPCs less hostile".
Corrupt officials that need bribing, gangsters that will 'do a favour - for a favour', merchants that have to be Haggled... sometimes you have to remember to include Friends, folk who will help you because they like you, not because they want something from you! :)
(this does overlap with another Tip: All NPCs Want Something!)
@ArmouredWizard There are many great ways to handle "friend" NPCs, but I think it's often interesting to put them in danger.
For the PCs I've played with, "friend" NPCs are often much higher stakes than widows and orphans.
@BrainburnerGames While this can work well, don't over-do it!
If every friend your PC makes gets captured/killed/put in harms way, it can lead to Players not wanting to make attachments.
As I said: Let your Players have Friends!
Not plot-points, not people-to-rescue :)
Your table may vary.
Armoured Wizard
TheToblin
Ric
Brainburner Games