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Message: <blockquote data-quote="velkymx" data-source="post: 9464229" data-attributes="member: 6698851">According to the Rules Lawyer:Dealing with players who tend to kill every NPC they meet can be challenging, but here are some strategies based on Cresthaven RPG rules to shift their behavior and encourage more diverse interactions:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Introduce Morale Checks for NPCs: You can make NPCs more likely to flee or surrender when their hit points are reduced below 50%. According to the rules, if their morale fails (a DC 20 check vs Wisdom), they may flee or offer peace. This gives the players a chance to interact rather than immediately kill.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Reward Negotiation: Players may need more incentive to engage in non-combat solutions. Encourage them to talk, barter, or recruit NPCs rather than fight. Negotiation rolls allow the party to use their Charisma and work as a team to exceed target checks, gaining valuable information or even assistance from NPCs.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Limit Consequences to Combat: Introduce significant in-game consequences for killing NPCs, such as reduced reputation, missed opportunities for trade or quests, or attracting powerful enemies. Highlight that some NPCs might hold crucial information or lead to beneficial alliances.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Reinforce Character Goals: Tie player goals to NPC interactions. For example, certain quests may only be completed through diplomacy or acquiring knowledge, which is impossible to obtain if the NPCs are dead. You can gently remind the players of their objectives and how NPCs can help.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Use NPCs with Meaningful Roles: Make NPCs more than simple cannon fodder. Give them backstories, relationships, and social connections that the players will discover and value as part of the world’s living ecosystem. Once players understand the impact of killing NPCs on the game's story, they might reconsider their approach.</li> </ol>For more guidance on balancing combat and non-combat elements, you can refer to the rules regarding NPC interactions and negotiations on the Cresthaven RPG site <a href="https://www.cresthavenrpg.com/dungeon-mastering/designing-adventures/" target="_blank">here</a>.</blockquote>

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