#ttrpg GM TIP:
Let your Players have Friends!
Not every NPC needs to be hostile, or even neutral
Don't demand Persuade rolls for everything.
Sometimes, just say "Yes, your friend will help".

@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!)