Since we're likely going to have a lot of interaction scenes between Player Characters and the fairly ridiculous number of Non Player Characters I came up with for Esperanza, I'd like to ask the players to pick 1 or even 2 NPCs they'd like to control during scenes not directly involving their own character. In other words, you'll be helping me out by portraying these supporting cast members.

I'm going to list the townsfolk people can volunteer to play in certain scenes. It will not include every single NPC in town; chief reason is so I can still control a few that are more critical or plot-specific. I'll try to include enough background and personality for each to help whomever picks a particular Esperanza resident. 

Townspersons

Rocio Canedo: Owner of El Migra. Lost husband and brother to Cartel violence, blames crooked military and corrupt cops. In favor of using money to hire gunmen, but doesn't hold out much hope. Used to be town beauty and a dancer. Waters down drinks because local supplier refuses to deliver liquor to town.

Heraclio Tolosa: Town drunk, dirt farmer, husband of Teresa, father of Hugo and 4 other kids. Used to drink with Izek's dad. Alternates between abuse when drunk and lethargy when sober. Not very popular but runs last farm in town. 

Teresa Tolosa: Dirt farmer, wife of Heraclio, mother of Hugo and 4 other kids. Traditional, conservative, increasingly religious due to family's dire straits. Hoped Hugo would become a priest; closest with Father Almazar. 

Izek: Hunchback, runs the Tecate (TE-CA-TAY) gas station in town. Father was notorious drunk who ran around with Heraclio Tolosa, died of liver disease. Taunted by local kids, generally avoided by most "decent" townfolk. Constantly working on his father's rebuilt sedan.

Father Almazan: Local padre, former missionary who once had plans to restore the Mision Virgen de Guadalupe; its still in ruins currently. Idealism has faded due to crime and violence in Juarez Valley. Reluctant to use violence but sees no alternative. Knows Ramon Castillo from time in Juarez during his youth. 

Juan Valdez: Does most of the work around Rancho Valdez; proud of family history and Mexican tradition. Is a good rider and hunter, but has never been in a real gunfight. Is big fan of John Wayne and thinks his younger brother Emilio is impractical. Cousin of Dora Valdez. Devoted to his family and ranch. 

Emilio Valdez: Younger brother of Juan, cousin of Dora. Does some work at Super Mercado, has dreams of becoming journalist despite lack of education. Wants to find more to life than running the family ranch and store. Once went through a teenage phase where he wanted to be a tough gangster, but grew out of it.

Mercedes Valdez: 10 year old daughter of Dora Valdez, lost her older brother and her father to Cartel violence. Quiet, somber. Has a gift for handling horses and prefers their company to people. Has few friends in town or at school.

Deputy Regla: Mustered out of Mexican army after 2 years, became security guard for Valdez warehouse in Esperanza, later became deputy after Sheriff Garcia was elected. Has not been on the job for long, hoped for more benefits as police official, looking for way out that won't ruin his life. Is cunning and crafty, but isn't a traitor to his home town.

Deputy Serrano: Big, not very bright, former ranch hand turned deputy to Sherrif Garcia. Thinks of himself as pragmatist but is quite loyal to town and Garcia alike. Wife is a local hairdresser named Amelia, a town gossip; she wants him to move with her to El Paso and stay with a sister of his. 

 

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If you see an NPC you are willing to play in some interaction scenes and possibly even in shoot outs, please post a comment below to let us know which one. Don't pick more than 2; it'll be okay if not all of the above are chosen.