Is it OK to...

[Tinker Gnome]

Is it OK to have a very powerful NPC Pretty much slaughter(but not kill) a PC. If the PC willingly challenged them? The NPC in question will be a high level Figher.

 

[Ovinomancer]

Give 'em what they payed for... whup it up gud.

Seriously, I don't see a problem unless the NPC goaded the character into challenging him.

 

[VirgilCaine]

Sure. Fine. People should not be protected from their own stupidity.

 

[Parlan]

Is it OK to have a very powerful NPC Pretty much slaughter(but not kill) a PC. If the PC willingly challenged them? The NPC in question will be a high level Figher.

The PC knows that the NPC is much more powerful and still challenged him? Then of course the NPC should win. I m not sure what you mean by –slaughter but not kill-. If it s in character for the NPC to kill the PC, and the player won t have a major problem with this outcome, then I d let it happen. If the NPC has some reason to spare the PC s life, then letting the PC live is okay too.

 

[MerricB]

Yes, it's fine - as long as the players understand that the NPC is a powerful character.

Cheers!

 

[Tinker Gnome]

The PC knows that the NPC is much more powerful and still challenged him? Then of course the NPC should win. I m not sure what you mean by –slaughter but not kill-. If it s in character for the NPC to kill the PC, and the player won t have a major problem with this outcome, then I d let it happen. If the NPC has some reason to spare the PC s life, then letting the PC live is okay too.

An example would be one of my arrogant Pcs hearing about a very powerful general that leads the army of the kingdom they are in. And they get the chance to meet them. And then challenge them because he beleives he would be better.

 

[Crothian]

of course it is

 

[Wombat]

My players pay for stupidity ... and for being excessively rude. They know this going in, that it is just as easy to make an enemy with words as it is with swords. They also know that not every danger they face will be a direct confrontation with a foe in sword-length, that if they really cheese someone off there is the possibility of poison, imprisonment, and legal maneuverings.

As I have communicated this in advance, and they are all clear on the concept, we have had several interesting episodes based around disgruntled people from their pasts

 

[Nightfall]

Yep. I mean it's like going up to King Arthur and saying "Hey gimme Camelot!" and then not expect Arthur to kick his ass. Arthur might be chiverlous but he's no wimp.

 

[Caspian Moon Prince]

Of course it is. If the PC put themselves in that position to get his/her rear end kicked, then so be it. Now, I would say unless the NPC was especially mean tempered or the PC really ticked the NPC off then I wouldn't have the NPC kill or seriously injure the PC.

Show the PC that the NPC is better and every couple of rounds if the NPCs attitude would allow it give the PC the chance to give up. If not, then it is their own stupid fault.

I remember doing this once with a character of mine. My character was a 2ed halfling rogue that challenged this haughty elf to a fight. It was during a festival and was with wooden weapons and fighting on platforms over a pond. Anyways, first round my character criticaled on that elf. Knocked 'em right into the water and made them look a fool. Hahaha...a great moment.