I Know a Guy

In the spirit of The Empire Strikes Back, when Han Solo heads to Lando for help, a player may declare that their character "knows a guy". This can happen once per story and must be dramatically appropriate.

In a situation where it makes sense, the PC declares "I know a guy" and then quickly sketches that NPC and the relationship. Fewer details are usually better - that leaves room for the DM and PC's to play.

Upon declaration, the NPC exists. Then, when the PC's try to interact with the NPC, the player who created them makes a Charisma roll to see how the NPC reacts. Depending on the situation, the DM may decide Advantage or Disadvantage applies.

This is a simple and loose mechanic inviting players to create critical NPC's and continue developing the backstory as they play.