The mod also provides a framework for others to create and manage their own custom NPCs.
Features currently include overhead name tags, formspec handling, ownership and management,
file based backups and automatic duplicate entity removal. (experimental)
These NPC's are not craftable although by default will be available in the creative menu.
Servers would be encouraged to override this default and allocate the NPCs on /give basis.
I was waiting for minetest 0.4.8 to release this, however, it is getting so big now
that I felt It should be posted so that others can help me debug.
Screenshot:

Modpack Version: 0.1.0 (pre-release)*
Minetest Version: 0.4.8 (current-dev)
Depends: default
License Source Code: LGPL
License Textures: WTFPL
Download: Version 0.1.0
Browse Code: Github
Spoiler
position you want your NPC to spawn then right-click and give the NPC a unique name.
Once spawned, try 'sneak' left/right clicking to tweak the NPC's look direction and position.
Example NPCs currently include:
# Info NPC

The Info NPC is a simple information serving character. You could think of them as a
human book providing information about a particular server location, or whatever else you like.
Supports multiple pages of text. 12 lines per page, ~50 chars per line.
# Deco NPC

A purely decorative NPC, can be set to roam freely and/or follow random players it encounters.
# Guard NPC

Protect yourself and your property against other players and mobs. Features 3d weapon and armor.
Can be left to guard a certain area or set to follow their owner.
# Trader NPC

Provides a quantity based exchange system. The owner can set a given number of exchanges.
This would likely be best used in conjunction with one of the physical currency mods.
# Builder NPC

Not really much point to this atm other than it's really fun to watch. By default, they can only
build a basic hut, however this is compatible (or so it seems) with all the schematics included in
Dan Duncombe's instabuild mod. These should be automatically available for selection if you have
the instabuild mod installed.
*Please note that this modpack is still very much a work in progress, expect to find bugs.
Not recommended for well developed worlds or public servers at this time.