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<blockquote data-quote="allenw" data-source="post: 3931188" data-attributes="member: 12992">This is an excellent point.&nbsp; Here's an idea (which I haven't tried):&nbsp; Let the PCs have rreasonable magic items (through dragon hoards, ancient tombs, etc., not purchase); they're the heroes, after all.&nbsp; But almost nobody else does.&nbsp; When designing BBEG (or even medium-bad-evil-guy) NPC's, instead of magic items, give them an extra level or two or three (or a useful template; half-dragon, fiendish, or half-fiend spring to mind), and/or lower-level spellcasting minions to provide buffs and countermeasures (but don't increase the XP for defeating them, since you're just compensating for lack of equipment)&nbsp; Getting the PC's magic items could be one of the BBEG's main motivations.&nbsp; This would keep the PCs able to deal with appropriate-CR monsters, and keep NPCs a challenge (and give plenty of NPCs an excuse to attack the PCs: phat lewt!).&nbsp; True, the PCs might choose to sell their rare and valuable items, and with effort can find a buyer; but if they can't buy new and improved items with the money, then what's the harm (except to the PCs, who may now be underpowered to face their usual challenges)?&nbsp;Thoughts?</blockquote>

[QUOTE="allenw, post: 3931188, member: 12992"] This is an excellent point. Here's an idea (which I haven't tried): Let the PCs have rreasonable magic items (through dragon hoards, ancient tombs, etc., not purchase); they're the heroes, after all. But almost nobody else does. When designing BBEG (or even medium-bad-evil-guy) NPC's, instead of magic items, give them an extra level or two or three (or a useful template; half-dragon, fiendish, or half-fiend spring to mind), and/or lower-level spellcasting minions to provide buffs and countermeasures (but don't increase the XP for defeating them, since you're just compensating for lack of equipment) Getting the PC's magic items could be one of the BBEG's main motivations. This would keep the PCs able to deal with appropriate-CR monsters, and keep NPCs a challenge (and give plenty of NPCs an excuse to attack the PCs: phat lewt!). True, the PCs might choose to sell their rare and valuable items, and with effort can find a buyer; but if they can't buy new and improved items with the money, then what's the harm (except to the PCs, who may now be underpowered to face their usual challenges)? Thoughts? [/QUOTE]

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