My ideal game would have 3 NPCs for every PC. Permanently assigned in-town NPCs, a secret team of plot-controlled adventurers, and an omgzergrush!!!11! cluster of monstering NPCs. I am a firm believer that most game issues are solved by having enough NPCs.
We may have to scratch Conrad off the list. He told me last week that he would not know if he can go till after last weekend. Well I still have not heard from him and he usually rides with us so unless he contacts me or shows up at my door he may not be coming.
