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Message: <blockquote data-quote="spunky_mutters" data-source="post: 339227" data-attributes="member: 5426">As has been discussed, the key to fudging the mechanics of an event is to retain credibility with the players. I wanted a group of NPCs to have access to a bunch of demons, so I had their leader make a deal with a Demon Prince. Since their leader was a Demi-God with a lot of resources, this was feasible, and gave something for the players to find out if they ever sought answers for where the demons came from. I didn't want to change my NPCs, because their stats and spells were already set, and had been used in combat with the PCs. This is outside the scope of game mechanics, but plausible. But the PCs never questioned it.The thing I hate is when the DM bends time or space to have an NPC get away. As a DM I will never do this. If the players catch me with my pants down, I'll face the consequences. You can never be so tied to your beloved storyline that the players can't have an unexpected impact, or there's really no point in playing. Just go write the book. I had a DM do this to us a few times, and I just lost interest in the whole campaign. It's no fun to ride the rails. I never did find out what happened, because I moved away, but everybody was feeling abused by the DM Ex Machina that seemed to always keep this guy alive. It's one thing for NPCs to have prepared escapes; that's just good planning. But when the DM has to ignore the game system for things to work out the way he wants, that's when I balk.So as far as introducing things that are mechanically unexplained... just cover your butt. Introducing divine elements always explains it pretty well. They have powers and connections that can do a lot of things outside the scope of game mechanics.</blockquote>

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