NPC creation questions

[Elarid]

Do NPCs gain racial abilities (Stand your ground for dwarves, Wild Step for elves, etc)? I don't see it mentioned in the NPC creation steps on page 187-188. Do they get the racial power? Do human NPCs get a second at-will power?

Thanks much!

Shawn

 

[Kzach]

The simple answer is: maybe.

The complex answer is, "Do you want it to have the racial ability?"

 

[Elarid]

I mostly just want to be consistent. Some NPCs would behave more like their race with the abilities (like elves ignoring difficult terrain). I guess if there is no official call on that, I will include them, thanks!

Shawn

 

[Danceofmasks]

Well, 4e is not consistent between PCs and NPCs.
Kobolds, for instance ... PC kobolds can't see in the dark!

 

[James McMurray]

All of the dwarves in the MM get Stand Your Ground. The eleadrin all get Fey Step. However, the human rogue vampire lord only gets one at-will, and the liches don't get their racial powers. The dragonborn death knight doesn't get a breath weapon.

Looks like it's a question of whether you want them to or not. I always give them their racial ability (including a second at will). Otherwise there's no point (mechanically) in making them that race.

 

[LostSoul]

I made an elf who only had one eye so he didn't get the normal Elven Accuracy ability.

Take the racial ability away and fill the void it creates with flavour.