So How Do You Recognize those High Level NPCs anyway?

[JoeGKushner]

Another question I had about the use of NPC's, is how do the players recognize high level NPCs in your experience?

In my own campaign, I've had NPCs that looked like they could take out a demi-god with one hand tied behind their back that were nothing more than well described in terms of how grim/scarred/used their equipment looked. I've also had NPC's deliberately bluff characters to their true power level.

So what are the 'tale tell signs' of a high powered NPC?

 

[Nifft]

- Elminster answers the NPC "sir, yes, sir".

- A powerful NPC does not use ioun stones. Instead, Ioun himself flies in orbit around NPC's head.

- Looking directly at the NPC provokes a Sanity check.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Crothian]

"He hasn't got all over him!"

 

[Filcher]

The DM doesn't look like he is making up their names on the spot.

 

[Doug McCrae]

1) High level characters will have stories of heroic deeds attached. Augean stables cleaned, misanthropic lake monsters slain, etc.
2) High level spellcasting ability. If the PCs just bought a Resurrection off an NPC, it's a good sign he's high level.
3) Magic item ownership.
4) In many D&D universes, the wealthy and powerful are all high level. For example all the rulers in the '83 Greyhawk boxed set or the god-emperors in Dark Sun. If it's Forgotten Realms then all NPCs are high level, even children.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

They find out through interacting with the world & the NPCs within it- I don't telegraph.

IOW, feel free to do as you wish, but don't be surprised if the guy you're trying to intimidate is Bahamut slumming as a human beggar.

 

[Merlin the Tuna]

The DM doesn't look like he is making up their names on the spot.

This is and will always be the number one indicator.

 

[Chainsaw]

The DM doesn't look like he is making up their names on the spot.

Haha, so true.

 

[Iron Sky]

*How tall their collar is.

*How big the pile of bodies they are standing on is.

*If it's 4e and you see them spend more than 1 healing surge...

*If you watch them cast Disenchant Item on a Holy Avenger.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

Sense Motive, or a level check, whichever is higher, possibly against Bluff.

Generally, gear is a good indicator from just looking, but as the OP said, it can be spoofed.

I personally don't mind letting my PCs know, unless the NPCs are deliberately trying to hide their skills. Conan rarely had to cross swords with somebody to know whether he or she was a badass.