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Message: <blockquote data-quote="77IM" data-source="post: 6829112" data-attributes="member: 12377">Often when I have trouble figuring out what NPCs should do, I let the dice decide for me. It's often easier to weight relative factors than to conclusively pick one. E.g., what factors motivate the giants to fight? what motivates them to surrender?For example, if the factors are about evenly matched in the giant's minds, then Charisma (Intimidation) DC 10 + the giant's Wisdom. If the factors in favor of fighting are stronger -- and I'd say they are, in this case -- increase the DC by 5 or 10. If the factors in favor of surrender are stronger, lower the DC by 5 or 10. This might make the check so easy that no roll is needed, which is fine.It's similar to the conversation we are having here, where we list out all the "what ifs." Well what if the giants' great size makes them disdain smaller opponents? what if their culture states that it is shameful to run from a fight? what if there have been rumors going around about a party of humanoids killing giants? what if that paladin's sword looks genuinely nasty? what if giants are afraid of the wall of force powerful enough to knock them aside? what if the giants are sadists who love hurting people? what if the giants' default stance in any situation is "fight?"...Then, instead of trying to sort it all out (people are complex!), you just judge the relative impact of the most important factors and turn that into a number for the dice.</blockquote>

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