In RPGs, Should PCs Be Better Than NPCs By Default?

[derelictjay]

No I don't believe so. NPCs should rank where they sit in society. A common soldier, yeah he should be weaker than the PCs. An Elite soldier, however should be about the same power level as the PCs, i.e. using a 28 pt. build like the PCs just with not as good equipment. Now for head honchoes, like the BBEG or his champion, they should be at least just as strong and as well equipped, often I'll use a higher point build for such characters.

 

[Mark]

Mark seems to be okay with people providing an explanation, even if they don't vote.

While that is true, I hasten to point out that you actually do answer the poll in your explanation despite claiming that you cannot.

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

Depends.

I think a PC and an NPC with the same class and level should be roughly equal. That said:

PCs in a heroic fantasy campaign should start off better than your average guy. For example, a PC would be a 1st level Fighter, rather than a 1st level Warrior or a 1st level Commoner. (I like the AD&D approach of 0-level, here -- it makes more sense to me than 1st level == 1st level for PC classes, but not for NPC classes.) And they should use an option like 4d6-drop-lowest instead of 3d6 when they roll up their character. (Or better point picks for you heretics out there.)

On the other hand, sometimes it's fun to play an average guy thrown into an exceptional situation. Everone loves the underdog (especially if he lives...)

 

[The Shaman]

...I hasten to point out that you actually do answer the poll in your explanation despite claiming that you cannot.

My point exactly!

:\

 

[Shemeska]

By default no.

But depending on the context of and style of the campaign, yes.

 

[Slife]

I'm going to answer "by level". Should a 7th-level PC fighter be "better" than a 5th-level NPC fighter? IMO, the answer in no. However, in DnD, magic item issues ensure that PCs will be more powerful than equal-levelled NPCs* by about 5th-level, at least if the class in question isn't a primary spellcaster.

Wait... do you mean that NPCs of equal class level should be the equivelent of two PC levels better than the PCs?

 

[buzz]

While that is true, I hasten to point out that you actually do answer the poll in your explanation despite claiming that you cannot.

I do? What was my answer?

You're a sneaky one, you are.

 

[Hairfoot]

No, and the poll is fine.

Polling shows that 99.99% of polls which include "depends" as an option result in an overwhelming result of "depends". However, the first round of polling indicated that it depends.

 

[Michael Silverbane]

I'm not sure what you mean by better...

Do you mean should the PCs be prettier than the NPCs by default? Sure, if your players want to explore their narcissistic impulses.

Do you mean should the PCs be holier than the NPCs by default? Maybe if they're all playing paladins, but then who are they going to go to for spiritual guidance? Maybe they should only be holier than most everybody else.

Do you mean should the PCs be higher level than the NPCs by default? Then who is going to stand up to them when they start flinging poo everywhere?

Do you mean should the PCs be richer than the NPCs by default? Sure, but then they might find it difficult to get ahold of powerful magic items...

Later
silver

 

[Hairfoot]

Do you mean should the PCs be prettier...

Do you mean should the PCs be holier...

Do you mean should the PCs be higher level...

Do you mean should the PCs be richer...

"What do you mean?" he [Gandalf] said. "Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?"