Do you Assign NPC stats?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

No stats for non-combatants. When stats come up in a game, I make them up on the fly and note them for future reference. If it turns out that, inexpicably, the barmaid has an 18 Wisdom, she'll have an 18 Wisdom in future appearances as well.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I've been collecting books, products, downloads, etc. that have statblocks, so I'm pretty sure I could drag out a statblock for just about any type of character I'd need. Products like "Everyone Else" really help out in this regard. I'd find one close to what I want, and customize it to taste from that point. However, I have no problem whipping up an NPC whole cloth, if I couldn't find one that suited what I was looking for.

 

[Tinker Gnome]

I was just asking because I am creating a Mid-level NPc Gnome called "The Prodigy" with stats of:

Str: 6
Dex: 26
Con:16
Int: 46
Wis:3
Cha:3

when I get to DMing again, I will use him for something. Yes, I know his stats are obscene.

 

[Quasqueton]

"Normal people" NPCs get 15 points, and have only NPC classes.
(11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10 or 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 or something similar)

"Exceptional people" NPCs get 20 points, and have only NPC classes. This represents natural talent above the normal people.

"Trained professionals" NPCs get 25 points, and have PC classes. This represents some natural talent and training. (Even the great archmage of the kingdom and the captain of the king's guard is built on 25 point buy, plus the normal bonuses for every 4 levels.)

Only PCs get 28 points. This represents natural talent and training. PCs are special.

In theory, if an NPC with an NPC class gets training in a PC class, their stats increase. The physical and mental training for a PC class builds on the character's natural talents.

Quasqueton

 

[The Shaman]

Usually I'll do point buy:
28 or 32 pts for a major villain or other powerful NPC
25 pts for elite soldiers
15 pts average joe

Ditto.

Me too.

I like statting NPCs - it's like having an unlimited number of character concepts to play with.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Me too.

I like statting NPCs - it's like having an unlimited number of character concepts to play with.

May I respectfully request you post 'em in the Rogue's Gallery when you stat 'em up?

 

[The Shaman]

May I respectfully request you post 'em in the Rogue's Gallery when you stat 'em up?

Sure, but since I'm running a Modern historical campaign with no monsters or magic, I don't know how much use they'll be to anyone.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Sure, but since I'm running a Modern historical campaign with no monsters or magic, I don't know how much use they'll be to anyone.

Oh, believe me, I want 'em. Era, magic level, whatever...doesn't matter. I can never have too many.

 

[Buttercup]

Assign NPC stats? what is this??

Most of the NPCs never get stated in my game, and when they do I give them the numbers they should have, rolling and point buy are for players. NPCs fill the role they are meant to fit.

Exactly. I'd rather spend my time thinking about the story than the numbers.

 

[Shemeska]

Assigned usually rather than rolled randomly.