Do the PCs follow the same rules as everyone else?

[Agback]

I'm wondering how many people have different rules for PCs then for everyone else.

PCs get maximum hit points on their first hit die.

NPCs' characteristics are notionally rolled on 3d6, though there is some selection bias among those that get to be significant figures.

 

[Shemeska]

My option isn't up there.

If I want an NPC to be of an appropriate challange level to the PCs, I'll set them at whatever I feel appropriate, regardless of the rules. If adherence to the rules doesn't facilitate a proper challange at any specific point in the game, strict adherence to the rules goes out the window as it becomes necessary for the improvement of the game.

 

[Crothian]

My option isn't up there.

If I want an NPC to be of an appropriate challange level to the PCs, I'll set them at whatever I feel appropriate, regardless of the rules. If adherence to the rules doesn't facilitate a proper challange at any specific point in the game, strict adherence to the rules goes out the window as it becomes necessary for the improvement of the game.

Then your answer is no, since you are willing to alter the rules the PCs use to make the NPCs what you need.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Augh! I want an "other" option!

PCs have the equivalent of legal representation, a player. NPCs do not. A player is more likely to be an advocate of the rules for his/her character than the DM is for his/her NPCs.

There are plenty of times I have forgtten rules to apply to an NPC. My players only have to worry about the rules that apply to them at a given instance.

So, I'm voting no, but there are qualifications.

 

[Crothian]

Augh! I want an "other" option!

If you pay attention to my poll threads, I rarely have an other option.

 

[Mercule]

I voted "special", but it's only by a hair. Basically, I just throw in a couple of cinematic perks. Only PCs get action points. And PCs have a better chance of surviving 0 hps (see that thread). I suppose you could say PCs earn XP differently, but it's really that "adventurers" earn it differently -- I cribbed the Eberron philosophy on XP.

Oddly enough, one of my major, major peeves is an NPC (other than divine) who can do stuff the PCs absolutely cannot. Any magic item, spell, location, etc. that has been created by an NPC could be duplicated by the PCs, if they expended the time and effort.

 

[Wombat]

All depends on the particulars of the campaign I am running.

In my last campaign, no, PCs and NPCs were no different.

In the next one, PCs are more "heroic", so there are rules alterations in accordance with this notion.

So I am a definite "Maybe"

 

[delericho]

No, PCs are special in a couple of areas:

1) They get a favourable fixed number of hit points per level. NPCs either get the roll or the average value, depending on how much of a hurry I'm in.

2) A PC subjected to direct damage cannot be reduced from any positive hit point value to anything less than -1. A PC at 0 or fewer hit points does not have this protection, and it does not apply to NPCs, familiars, animal companions, cohorts, or anyone else, no matter how important to the plot.

3) PCs use point buy for their stats. NPCs have whatever stats I think are appropriate.

Why?

The PCs are special, by virtue of being the stars of the show.

Also, I vastly prefer letting the dice lie where they fall. To reduce unexpected deaths, and mortality in general, I've stacked the odds in favour of the PCs in advance, which gives me a bit more (perceived) freedom to run the game as I prefer.

 

[Dirigible]

"I grows me a good turnip, but I don't know the pointy end of a sword from me arse."

That could get uncomfortable.

 

[Aus_Snow]

It's exactly the same rules, all the way down the line, from character creation to the epic hoo-ha. That's how I run it.