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Post by Sidera on Sept 24, 2016 13:05:17 GMT
Just started the Out of the Abyss campaign and there are 10 NPCs along with the two PCs that escape a drow prison together. I made up two of the NPC's full character sheets and gave them to the players to control so I have less to handle and they aren't waiting in every battle for 10 NPCs to go with only 1 turn each themselves. The other NPC's are currently just their creature info from the books: Derro, drow, Kuo-toa etc. When the PC's get xp should all the NPC's also get it for being part of the group? Or should I just give it to the two my players control? Because I'm worried as the game goes on if the NPC's stay with the characters that whilst the characters get stronger and fight stronger enemies the NPC's will just be a one shot kill. Should I just up there hit points every now and again or should I do more? Very interested to know your thoughts and what you guys do with NPCs in your campaigns  |
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DM Diggy
Commoner
Posts: 13 
Favorite D&D Class: Cleric
Favorite D&D Race: Halflings
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Post by DM Diggy on Sept 24, 2016 14:22:29 GMT
Personally, I would not level up any of the non-class based NPCs as is.
If the characters are taking to either of the class-based NPCs and seem to want them in the party, level them up alongside your PCs.
If the party begins to favor any of the non-class NPCs for whatever reason, perhaps let them roleplay teaching this individual a thing or two about a given class. Whether that be teaching them how to pick a lock; use a sword; tap into the magic essence around them; etc. Depending on what personality you have attached to this NPC, their age, and whatever skills the party has taught them, you could begin to level them up at level 1. Sure, that doesn't sound ideal for a higher level party to have a measly level 1 NPC around, but I personally would never scoff at have an extra set of hands around to help carry the load in an adventure.
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Post by Sidera on Oct 2, 2016 15:13:00 GMT
Personally, I would not level up any of the non-class based NPCs as is. If the characters are taking to either of the class-based NPCs and seem to want them in the party, level them up alongside your PCs. I'm thinking of leveling up the two NPC's the players have along with the Drow (Sarith), who was previously a guard at the outpost so I feel like he would gain some skills, and the Orc (Ront) who is just a typical Orc but was meant to be part of a group fighting the dwarves so I feel like he would have some actual fighting skill of sorts. I'd have the NPC's controlled by the players gain new skills when they level up but only level up the Drow and Orc via giving them an extra hit dice as neither of them fit a particular class and it saves over-complicating things. The other NPC's I'm going to base as if they were the commoner versions of their races so under level ones and would not level up unless specifically trained by a PC. If the party begins to favor any of the non-class NPCs for whatever reason, perhaps let them roleplay teaching this individual a thing or two about a given class. Whether that be teaching them how to pick a lock; use a sword; tap into the magic essence around them; etc. Depending on what personality you have attached to this NPC, their age, and whatever skills the party has taught them, you could begin to level them up at level 1. Sure, that doesn't sound ideal for a higher level party to have a measly level 1 NPC around, but I personally would never scoff at have an extra set of hands around to help carry the load in an adventure. Yes I did this with the Goblin in LMoP. Loved training him up despite the other players being sceptical  |
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Post by joatmoniac on Oct 2, 2016 18:39:39 GMT
I gave a goblin in LMoP a level of fighter with the long term plan of the eldritch knight archetype because both the fighter and mage had really taken to the NPC. I would try and keep the NPC 2+ levels below the PCs so that they still seem effective, but difficult to overshadow the PCs.
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Post by DM_tonofbricks on Oct 4, 2016 7:23:38 GMT
I haven't played or DMd Out of the Abyss yet, but I usually level my NPCs at a reduced rate. The way I see it, an NPC that is adventuring is either A) dead meat from the start, B) just as powerful as the PCs, or C) a decent adventurer but not nearly as good as the PCs.
If an NPC is sticking around for a while, I usually put them in category C. It reflects that they learn slower and have less potential than the PCs. It also lets the NPC stay relevant without their overpowering the party. One of the reasons I like this is that a character a few levels below the party can be a liability, meaning PCs will have to protect that person if they wish them to live. But, a character at level 1 in a levle 8 party is basically dead the moment they get touched.
Also, it's awesome and dramatic when the level 3 barbarian rages, frenzies and then double crits on a beast way too powerful for him to be fighting, but totally saves the party out of sheer luck.
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