I remember spending some time designing NPCs. Then I remembered using NPC Generator 2. Then I read How to Build a D&D NPC in 15 minutes and shook my head. I skimmed some comments. Then I found this gem:
How to Build a D&D NPC in 15 minutes
In 3E I have discovered one essential truth that for the longest time I resisted embracing. Rules are for players. When I make NPCs & monsters that are intended to be fought by the PCs with little to no chance of negotiation I build them however the hell I want. He needs 200hp and a +15 will save? Bam, he’s got it. Needs to be able to take 2 standard actions a round? Okey-dokey he’s doing that too. In high level, high powered play it is very hard to challenge a party without overwhelming them. I have been working on doing this for 3 years (since my groups passed 14th level) and I actually am starting to feel I have a grip on it. Trust yourself first and rules a distant second. of course all this falls to pieces if you don’t know the PCs strengths and weaknesses inside and out. – Holy Bovine
With a nick like that you can’t be wrong. 😄
That’s what I’ll be using if I’m not falling back on published material.
#RPG #thoughts
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Works for me.
It’s nice to be able to say “this NPC is a 7th level Wizard”, but the number of times that comes up in actual play is very rare. Much easier not to worry about it.
– GreyWulf 2008-05-13 21:59 UTC