The standard for the rule as presented is that they do not apply to PCs (but would apply to NPC allies). Morale checks for PCs is presented as a variant, however; it is recommended that it be unanimously agreed to before being used.
I understand that and I don't like that. Rules that apply for the NPCs apply to the PCs and vice versa. PCs are special enough no use having one set of rules for them that is different from everyone else in the world.
I understand that and I don't like that. Rules that apply for the NPCs apply to the PCs and vice versa. PCs are special enough no use having one set of rules for them that is different from everyone else in the world.
Generally, the Morale Checks are like the "Influencing NPC Attitudes" checks. They stand-in for the lack of an actual individual making decisions for the character. PCs and NPCs alike are subject to [Mind-Affecting] and Charm (Compulsion) effects - effects which FORCE the character to act in a certain way. The "Influencing" checks, and Morale checks, are derived from the mathematical modeling of the world .. there is an X% chance, +/- Y% in modifiers, that in this situation any given creature would "become Friendly" (Attitude) or "become Shaken" (Morale); the die roll is just to check "did it happen this time ?"
Because those are checks for characters without an individual player to make their decisions, they are presented as inappropriate for use when there IS a player present.
Certainly, the DM is "playing" the NPCs, and can overrule the dice. The key is that the checks are there as guide for the DM -- some DMs need to be reminded that there ARE other options than just "fight fearlessly to the death".
