[manikus]

The NPCs could be used in more like a cameo role...The PCs pass a traveler on the road and stop to chat for a bit, only to find out that it's the famous ___ who offers them a story or sage bit of advie or nothing other than a 'Good day' before being on her way again.
They could also be used to get the player into the story...
The mayor tells the PCs that they're not needed to save the town, because so-and-so is. Outside of the mayor's office, they are greeted by an emissary/lackey of so-and-so who sets up a meeting with the NPC. The NPC tells the party that she is too busy and subcontracts it out to them.