Ability points PC vs. NPCs

[The Shaman]

In my d20 Modern games, PCs start with 28 points.

Ordinaries get the 15-point array (8-13). Heroic NPCs get the 25-point standard array (8-15). A small handful of the most exceptional NPCs might get the 28-point buy or even a 32-point buy. The vast majority of the NPCs are Ordinaries, so 15-point characters are most common.

I look at the PCs' (and exceptional NPCs') ability scores as a combination of both innate ability and training, to varying degrees - some are born to be adventurers, others work hard to become so, most fall somewhere along the spectrum between the extremes. In any event, the heroes stand out from the madding crowd.

 

[Numion]

It's my opinion that player characters are just inherently a bit above the rest. They have better stats from the beginning. The real reason for this is unknown - much like why adventurers always come in groups of four or why another adventurer of similar competence is usually found shortly after the precedessors demise

 

[Thanee]

The PCs are heroes, that's why they have better stats. They are exceptional.

Villains and other major NPCs get the same stats as the PCs do.

Other NPCs and monsters have the standard stats (standard or elite array).

If I were to play a more grim'n'gritty game, where the PCs are rather normal persons, I'd give them rather normal stats, too. But we play heroic fantasy and therefore they get heroic stats (well, not as heroic as in some other games... PB 28 plus a chance to raise each attribute after distribution).

Bye
Thanee

 

[Gez]

Nameless mooks are straight out of the MM.

Named characters are either statless (total winging it on as I go) or have convenient stats. Which means that if I need for a NPC to be the equivalent of a 15-point buy character, or of a 90-point buy character, then that NPC is so.

Only PCs (and PC NPCs, like cohorts and followers, in case one where to get the Leadership feat) use definite rules for character creation.

 

[Psychic Warrior]

I generally just make up stats for an important NPC (one the PCs are likely to need skilled labour from or fight)_ and don't really pay attention to the point buy total. If they are fighter they have great physical stats and OK mental one. Wizards are the opposite. I also use the standard array (15-8) for 'quickie' NPCs.

 

[Evilhalfling]

PC's Rolled as 4d6 drop 1 or point buy 28
Nameless mooks = as mm but at 50-75% of max hp
Leaders +2 to prim stat, + 2 chr, +2 int possible >75% of max HP
NPCs adventures use elite array
NPC villians, BBEGs or well-known Heros : Rolled stats (4d6 drop 1) or assigned arbitrarily depending on prep time.

 

[JoeGKushner]

I don't delve too deeply into it.

I often don't use the NPC classes as I find them a bit too weak for my taste.

Most commoners stats really aren't important to me, so I don't think about them as the GM.

Most NPCs of 'name' status who are adventurers, have the same range of abilities as the players so it's not something I have to compare/contrast.

 

[Mallus]

I am absolutely stunned. Flabbergasted, even.

All your NPCs have the same heroic ability scores as the PCs?

And to think someone recently objected to my description of D&D as "an indulgence of adolescent power fantasies"...

Anyhow... as DM I don't use a point-buy or an array. I either let the dice fall, or assign stats to my hearts content. Most NPC's are completely average. Some have stats that rival or surpass the PC's. I don't see the benefit in straightjacketing myself regarding NPC stat generation. Why can't the pretty barmaid have a CHR of 18? I'll populate my scenes anyway I like. And why would that neccessitate her having bard or sorceror levels?

I think of PC's as protagonists, not as de facto heroes. They're heroes because they do extraordoinary things during the course of play. PC's in my games stand out because they're constatnly in the right (or wrong) place and the exact right (or wrong)) time to get caught up in deadly adventures...

Oh, and maybe because they have lots of magic items, but that's only because they lack an adversity to killing...

 

[Darkness]

I often don't use the NPC classes as I find them a bit too weak for my taste.

Most commoners stats really aren't important to me, so I don't think about them as the GM.

I treat NPC classes and Commoners the same way.

 

[Gez]

I also use the standard array (15-8) for 'quickie' NPCs.

Quickie? You still have to assign a score to each stat! I'm more likely to use something like 16, 14, and the rest all 10s. Or, a +3 bonus to the guy's specialization, a +2 bonus to something else he's good at, and no modifier to the rest. NPC experts will not even have ability scores, they'll just have a few skills at level x1.5 +3...